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THE LIBflARV OF 
CONGRESS, 
Two Cof-ita Received 

MAY. 25 1901 

Copyright entry 

CLASS «^XX& N». 

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COPY 8. 


Copyright, 1901 , 
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UNIQUE TALES. 


CONTENTS. 


I- PAGE 

Wild Roses and a Happy Family 7 

II. 

Embodiment of Fragrancy — Christmas Story, Narra- 
tive of Adventures, and Fairy Tale 81 


III. 

Allotted for Each Other; or, A Modern Paradise. . . 123 


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WILD ROSES 

AND 

A HAPPY FAMILY. 



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CONTENTS. 


PAGE 

I. Barren 9 

II. Outskirts of Spring 14 

III. Nuptials in the Heart of Spring 20 

rv. The Heart of Summer 25 

V. Autumn and Winter 30 

\ 

VI. Another Spring and a Home 38 

VII. What a Venture! 57 

VIII. Another Home 63 

IX New Departures 72 




WILD ROSES AND 

A HAPPY FAMILY. 


I. 

BARREN. 

In an insignificant village, surrounded by 
sterile hills, a dog barked lustily for his mis- 
tress. 

“Hush, Serafino!’’ said Rosette: “Dominusis 
praying.” 

This, in a whisper of the mistress — young and 
little, almost like the dog — from a first -story 
window; the highest story [of the priory; for 
houses were there built on sand. 

“Priory,” was really a misnomer, applied be- 
cause a retired clergyman lived in that ordinary 
building. 

Another bark. 

Out of another window peeped the house- 
9 


Unique Talcs* 

keeper, a corpulent affair; and cried in tones 
far harsher than Serafino’s: “Hush the dog! 
Dominus is praying.” 

“I know, godmother,” meekly said the child ; 
“in vain I tried ” 

The dog on the sand bench could not be ap- 
peased; and barks and retorts brought to the 
surface the prior in person, who, if he had 
prayed, had prayed during slumber. 

“This wail,” preached he in the pulpit (or 
rather at a third window), “signifieth not dis- 
temper, but forebodeth woe.” 

“Alas, apoplexy for me!” 

“Mayhap, good matron,” consoled Dominus, 
as he had done for years. “As to myself, the 
tickling of my throat forebodeth paralysis.” 

“Mayhap, good prior!” in the same vein. 

“No fitter time for prayer,” asserted Domi- 
nus. 

In the oratory the three met and sat. What 
there by a layman might have been taken for 
a church organ was but a stand with hour- 
glasses of various sizes. 

10 


Unique Talcs, 


Sternly said the divine to Rosette: “Through 
my exertions you learned all my prayers — their 
length and shortness, as to words. The period 
hath arrived when, my voice failing, yours is 
summoned. In Hour of Trial be the prayer of 
this hour. 

“How long, good matron, taketh it to roast 
the sand-birds?’* 

“Half an hour, prior.” 

“Forty -four minutes until dinner, leaveth 
fourteen minutes for our prayer. ’ ’ 

Rosette, poor child, indeed knew all his 
prayers, but understood them as little in her 
native language as in Latin. She was now 
further admonished : 

“Pray in English that your godmother may 
reap full benefit.” 

With her eyes on the turned fourteen-minute 
glass, Rosette proceeded, and in quickened 
tempo reached the end just when the last grain 
of sand left the upper vessel. 

By this time Dominus was fast asleep. 

“Leave master to his thoughts,” said the 
11 


Unique Talcs. 

housekeeper, “while we prepare dinner. Fetch 
the pail!” 

With its contents, sand, and a broom, the 
piece of corpulence shaped, on the kitchen floor, 
some figures resembling the curls of the prior’s 
wig ; then sank into a peculiar appurtenance of 
that kitchen — her easy-chair. 

Thus enthroned she left, as usual, household 
cares to little Rosette, the silent sufferer. 

\ Silent, truly; resigned no longer. 

* A secret nestled in her heart, and Serafino, 
her pet dog, had scented the secret’s bearing 
upon his fate. 

That secret was a longing, as indefinite as 
the fragrance conveyed to her in the flowerless 
land from lands unknown, because beyond the 
sterile hills. 

The longing grew. Through prayer she 
might find relief. “Yea!” she reflected, “I’ll 
form a prayer of my own!” Which prayer, 
hardly uttered, brought to her side a Presence 
high and awful, yet of air benign; of gaze 
which, though nor cold nor glowing, partook of 
U 


Unique Tales. 


these extremes ; clad in the glories of the sea- 
sons, wreaths of spring encircling all. 

“Your supplication pleases me, dear child,” 
said she, Dame Nature, and took her by the 
hand. 

The dog stared and whined. 

While the housekeeper endeavored to hush, 
the prior, at the other window, predicted woe, 
Kosette, leaving them to paralysis, apoplexy, 
and their devices, brushed by. 

“Poor Serafino! Well, well — one day you 
also may strike out, and we may meet again!” 
was her farewell greeting. 


\ 


13 


Unique Tales* 


II. 

OUTSKIRTS OF SPRING. 

How Rosette overcame crags and crevices, 
and dreary stretches directly beyond the hills, 
a bird might tell, could it but be caught. 

With ever-increasing transports of joy, she 
had reached the land of her longing, and sang : 

“ Large is thy heart, 

O beautiful Spring.” 

These, however, were but meadows, the out- 
skirts of spring. 

Where was Rosette’s august companion? 
Everywhere. 

Confidently the young pilgrim wandered on. 

What joy, to breathe an air so balmy! 

Clear and serene, the sky imparted joy to 
her breast. 

Her steps, how nimble among flowers yellow, 
14 


Unique Tales* 

purple, pink and crimson, wafting in the midst 
of high-grown grasses. 

“How full of life and joy, all!’’ exclaimed 
she, describing her own being. 

Blooming bushes began to enrich the scenery. 
Absorbed, she would delay here and there, 
then flit onward like a light-hearted bird. 

“What happiness to wander thus forever!” 
was scarcely said, when she beheld from afar a 
being in appearance like herself, which upon 
approach revealed itself, amid a cluster of wild 
roses, all in bloom — as a stately rose tree with 
one bud. 

Presently the bud developed into blossom, 
and the full-blown, exquisite pink rose meekly 
observed Rosette. 

Speechless, enraptured, the child rested before 
the rose ; then gave way to passionate addresses, 
while her little arms and hands partly stretched 
forth, partly receded toward her own yearning 
heart. 

Her eyes still fixed upon the silent rose. Ro- 
sette again implored : 

15 


Unique Tales* 


Blessed I to be the maiden 

On whom first thine eye doth rest, 

’Mid the stillness of the meadow 
First thy fragrance is exprest. 

“ O may the eye thy glance now questions, 
Lovely Rose ! tell balm to thee; 

The voice that these faint words addresses 
Strength impart to set thee free. 

“Rose of roses ! round thee gathered 
Are thy sisters, bloom-attired ; 

Roots they spread, and branch out idly. 
Not, like thee, for flight inspired. 

“ Light and shadow is their pleasure. 

Nod and napping their delight — 

Yet their sing-song how restricted 
With that brooklet just in sight. 

“White are daisies, swift the swallows. 
Green this grass — is all they know. 

Rose 1 beyond that narrow brooklet 
Seas may rock, blue flowers grow I 

O to see them ! What more precious 
Than with thee o’er lands to rove ! 

^ Spread thee not in roots and branches ; 

Lift thy foot, O Rose, and move 1” 

Another pause — with lowered hands 
clasped. 


now 


16 


Unique Talcs* 


“Spontaneous verse works wonders. I’ll in- 
dulge you!” said Dame Nature, visibly touch- 
ing with her wand the rose tree, which anon de- 
veloped into a blooming rose-maiden. 

Eosette flung her arms round Kose. Oh, 
how they pressed each other to their hearts, and 
sallied forth, over meadow and brook, in equal 
flight. For their Protectress had endowed Eo- 
sette with the attributes of the new-born Eose, 
and bestowed upon them the gift of buoyancy 
on land and in air and water. 

Although differing from elves and fairies, the 
rose-maidens had many traits in common with 
them, as the eluding of sight, hence dangers, in 
a country of verdure and bloom. 

Wreath and sash across the chest and girdle, 
which adorned the maidens, were living rose- 
branches — trophies — respected in the recesses 
now entered with increasing enjoyment. 

Large-hearted reception they met with every- 
where. 

Tidings brought from far off were greeted 
with sympathy, which, like an omnipresent 
17 


Unique Talcs* 

spirit, reached each flower, however lowly ; each 
blade o’ grass. That none of them lived neg- 
lected was one of the lessons taught to the little 
wanderers. 

Where did they find food and shelter? 

No bird but would have them share both 
with it. 

Creepers suspended in mid-air heightened the 
effect of the tender foliage; and upon gazing 
through such lacework into the blue sky, Rose 
and Rosette believed the}’’ beheld heaven. It 
was a vision of summer; fulfillment of the prom- 
ise of spring. 

Their peregrinations over hill and dale were 
continued visits fraught with delight and conso- 
lation. Thus, once, descending, they were at- 
tracted by a beautiful blue flower, a- tremble 
from emotion. 

“Who art thou?'’ they asked. 

“A damsel woebegone.” 

“Thy name?” 

“Forget-me-not.” 

“What ails thee?” 


18 


Unique Tales* 

“I told hor wbat my name implies; yet am 
forgotten/* 

“Describe thy friend and her abode/* 
“Beyond yon intervening hill the light-blue 
butterfly lives in the Heart of Spring/* 


19 


Unique Tales^ 


III. 

NUPTIALS IN THE HEART OF SPRING. 

Toward that region Rose and Rosette re- 
paired. 

There perfect beauties of spring centered round 
a jewel of a pond ; and many insects playfully 
chased each other over its lucid water; among 
them a pair of brilliant butterflies, light -blue 
their dominant color. 

The rose-maids forthwith reported the suffer- 
ing of the lonely forget-me-not. 

“Oh, she is a friend of mine, whom I fancy 
well enough ; but this my mate has a greater 
claim upon my pleasing companionship, and 
flights I prefer to reposeful attitudes.’’ 

“If you saw her, you would have pity on 
her.” 

“Unhappy people worry me indeed; so does 
this nearer, sad forget-me-not.” 

20 


Unique Tales* 


There, to be sure, stood near the bank, now 
reached by the flyers, another forget-me-not, 

“What ails thee?’^ asked Rosette. 

“I die of love.’’ 

“For whom?” 

“For just an intellectual mate.” 

The rose-maids whispered to the butterfly. 

The butterfly flew off, and in due course of 
time returned, reporting: “My friend is well 
and will consider.” 

Then turning to the love-sick flower- in- blue, 
she said : 

“I think I have found a mate for thee.” 

The flower smiled and fixed the wedding day, 
which was no other than that selfsame day. 

The trumpet tree then blew Hurrah, and the 
liveliest commotion, beginning on the tender 
growths that encircled the pond, spread deeply 
into the woods. 

The happy hour, though not devoid of doubt, 
had arrived. 

Bustle yielded to solemnity. Fluttering was 
the only noise. 


Unique Talcs* 

Anon the blue butterfly rested the left wing 
lightly upon the forget-me-not ; the other wing 
was just touched by an emerald dragonfly; 
larger insects joined, thus forming an ascend- 
ant semicircle. All mustered silently into 
line, at already considerable height enriched, 
by humming birds, finches, starlings, doves. 

The festivity having been prearranged, the 
distant hillside had pursued a corresponding 
course, started by the blue-winged friend, 
whose right leaned on the damsel Forget-me- 
not; and upward, until an oriole crowned, above 
the intervening hill, the fluttering rainbow. 

Upon a given sign the blue flower in the 
Heart of Spring tremulously whispered; and 
from neighbor to neighbor was passed, to the 
expectant Unseen, the whisper : 

“I love thee! Dost thou love me?’^ 

She had considered, and answered as firmly, 
as faintly : 

“Yes.’’ 

“Wilt thou accept me for an intellectual com- 
panion?” 


22 


Unique Tales. 


‘‘Indeed and I will.** 

This, conclusive beyond a doubt, ended the 
ceremony; and great joy prevailed over the 
wedding of the forget-me-nots. 

The performers of the rainbow at once per- 
formed aerial quadrilles; and “lame ducks,*’ as 
in their high spirits they called rabbits, weasels, 
squirrels and the like, danced with turtles, liz- 
ards and each other in their own fashions to 
music of grasshoppers and crickets; of frogs in 
and outside of the pond ; and of more or less 
melodious songsters. 

The chief messengers between the happy 
bride and bridegroom were the blue butterflies; 
also the rose-maidens flew on many an errand 
of iove. 

The plan of bringing the lovers nearer to each 
other failed, through fear that the transplanted 
party might catch cold— a serious matter with 
flowers. 

Sometimes Rose and Rosette visited the 
farther woods, to the choicest recesses of which 
they were mostly borne by an ever-ready white 


Unique Talcs* 

stag and hind. Delightful as these excursions 
were, they always ended in returns to the pond 
with its poppies, rice plants, royal lilies, where, 
among diversified distractions, one happy day 
followed the other. 

A new visitor arrived one morning. It was 
a heron, who said: ‘‘I see a few nice fishes in 
this water, and occasionally catch one. Pleas- 
ing enough, also, are these scant flowers on 
land, and the scanter blossoms in the air. No 
wonder that nothing thrives under such a light. 
If you care for the blessings of a land, where 
all is sunshine and bloom, follow me to my 
homeT’ 


U 


Unique Tales. 


IV. 

THE HEART OP SUMMER. 

Such an allurement some could not resist, 
the rose-maids among them ; and after long, ex- 
pectant flight they landed in the Heart of Sum- 
mer, bathed in the moon’s mild light. 

Before turning to his nest, the heron said : 

“Here the moon sheds more heat than the 
sun in your land this with a smile of content- 
ment, maintained during their happy inter- 
course with him. 

While the others, with many an ejaculation 
of delight, scattered in all directions. Rose and 
Rosette sank upon mosses; and there, holding 
each other’s hands, listened, enraptured, to the 
nightingale’s songs in praise of the rhododen- 
drons and laurels which surrounded them. 

That most of the blossoms of these copious 
bushes, so white in the moonlight, glowed red 
25 


Unique Tales* 

in the morning, was a surprise. Well adapted 
was the richness of that hue to the wealth of 
colors displayed all around. 

Truly had his home been painted by the heron. 
There, under a glowing sun, a rapid brook im- 
parted life ; luxuriant trees, coolness. Flowers, 
in numberless varieties, at the height of perfec- 
tion, beamed there as so many expressions 
of love. Within hearing of the brook, a 
spacious place was carpeted with mosses. En- 
shrined by tropical trees, it was the home of 
flowers of every description, as also of berry- 
bearing herbs, and here and there a shrub com- 
parable only with a nosegay. 

Countless birds frequented that grove, their 
songs and plumages contributing to the enchant- 
ing gayety. A choice resort with manifold di- 
versions, one surpassing the other; and after 
the heron had jumped rope— live vines which 
Rose and Rosette had been turning — he soared 
aloft, and with another happy smile looked 
down on the rose-maids following in less im- 
pulsive flight. 


26 


Unique Talcs» 

Rose returned to the jonquil who had yet to 
complete her biography. 

Rosette steered her course for a marigold in 
order to learn a new history. 

Similar calls were daily occurrences; and the 
stories depicted perfect happiness, because the 
narrators were in the prime of happy life. 

After separate visits the tales were commented 
upon from the standpoint of roses. 

Of endless interest were the narrations of the 
laurel trees and rhododendrons, each growth 
with a pedigree. 

What a succession of blissful days and nights I 

“Sweet is sleep; our waking-hours are sweeter — 
Awake, awake, to new delights of summer 1" 

Full-toned songs, like this, gradually abated ; 
and the last sweet bird, a wren, sang thus : 

I weep. I mourn 
O’er passing summer. 

Stem with thorn — 

What sad newcomer. 

I mourn. I weep 
O’er what delighted. 

I long for sleep. 

All cheer benighted. 


Unique Tales* 


Stem and thorn, 

Where rose-leaves shaded. 

Maid forlorn 
With blossom faded. 

Joys, joy flown. 

Songs, song must wither. 

Alone, alone 
On dying heather. 

The Badness of the song made Rose shiver and 
long to see her sisters, whereto her companion 
consented. 

Sad were Rosette and Rose over the melan- 
choly of the beloved wren. They flew to it and 
surprised it by the consolation, that there were 
a South and other summers. 

Thereupon it started with a merry chirp 
toward that blessed country; while the rose- 
maidens hied over formerly traversed grounds; 
and so true were their instincts that, in spite 
of dense mists, they reached Rose’s native field 
at midnight. 

Rosette at once settled to sleep. 

Rose, upon beholding her drooping sisters, 
fell also asleep; but hers was the sleep of death. 

28 


Unique Tales* 


Ere fairly awake, Rosette fancied the wren’s 
song to be acted out on herself ; but before hav- 
ing time for alarm (so sympathetic is Dame 
Nature!) the survivor became aware of a pres- 
ence near her — a boy beaming with spirits, 
who, tendering his hand, said: “Offspring of 
a winter rose am I — Montrose by name. Mourn 
not my valley friend, but gone to sleep, from 
which she will awake next spring, re-braced.” 


29 


Unique Tales* 


V. 

AUTUMN AND WINTER. 

To Rostock, who had been Rosette, he spoke : 
For, to adapt the maiden to the new wild com- 
panion, Dame Nature had transformed her into 
a youth; and, with outcries of delight, the two 
rushed forth over wolds, through woods. 

Pervaded by Montrose’s wild spirit, also Ros- 
tock let deer and fox pass unmolested, as too 
tame for consideration. 

In mountain caves, in valley caverns, the 
youths were recognized as masters. Compan- 
ionships like these were all-sufficient to them. 

To gratify exuberance, many a precipice was 
scaled on wing or on foot. 

When a sea breeze touched them on a clear 
autumn day, their impetuous speed was main- 
tained until the shore of an ocean was reached. 

30 


Unique Tales* 

Montrose forthwith dashed into the foaming 
spray. 

Kostock recoiled, partly because it was night. 

Almost threatening seemed the gestures of 
Montrose. Kostock plunged in after him, and 
they proceeded merrily. 

They felt one with the element. 

Only when land was out of sight, Montrose 
said: “Let us take a rest.” 

Floating, they watched a couple of albatrosses, 
and paddled toward them unperceived. 

The sun ascended from the ocean, and phos- 
phorescence subsided into wonderful glows. 

With the exultant feeling that the world was 
created for themselves, Montrose seized, and 
swung himself unto, one of the albatrosses. 

Rostock, again admonished, followed his ex- 
ample. “Spurs and reins like thorns!” 
screeched the large birds. 

Thus the rose-youths took another rest. 

Both were carried above the highest rocks. 

Espying eagles, Montrose guided his albatross 
to the steep cliff where they nested. 

31 


Unique Tales* 

Kostock’s bird drew reluctantly nearer, but 
was also forced forward. 

By this time the species and size of the eagles 
could be determined: They were formidable 
golden eagles. 

On a large nest they perched, stunned by as- 
tonishment. 

To pounce on the larger, and subdue him, was 
Montrose’s work of a moment. 

Eostock no less overpowered the mother-bird, 
after furious resistance. 

Still greater ascendency had the youths 
gained after having averted a deadly combat 
between the eagles and albatrosses. 

The birds were warned to remain friendly; 
which promised, all four received a liberal por- 
tion of petting, and the mutual affection grew 
to the extent that the rose -youths were allowed 
to sleep in the eagle’s nest containing five eggs. 

Three rests, close upon each other! Lazy 
urchins, were they not? 

Montrose, however, slept with one eye open. 

Furthermore, at dawn the albatrosses invited 
32 


Unique Tales* 


the youths to another ride. This, Montrose 
declined, as he desired to exercise his own wings. 

With mutual protestations of love and esteem, 
they parted, the spirited flight of Montrose be- 
ing watched with curiosity. 

Rostock, still on the edge of the cliff, flapped 
his wings like a newly fledged bird; took heart, 
and joined the friend’s sail toward a densely 
wooded district. 

For a long time they maintained unnecessary 
heights. 

“The higher we soar,” said Montrose, “the 
more are we part of the elements.” 

When the forest lay underneath them they 
darted into its dead branches and buried leaves. 

Then Montrose shook hands with his compan- 
ion, declaring him to be a youth after his own 
heart. 

Their life in these woods during winter was 
well adapted to their singular natures. 

The forest swarmed with ferocious beasts, all 
of whom yielded to these fierce, yet friendly 
youths. 


33 


Unique Tales, 

Through such close intercourse Rostock also 
became acquainted with the mysteries of ani- 
mal- life. The caves were wonders suited to the 
tales there told. 

What the youths avoided, was shelter. Ex- 
posed to the wildest snowstorms, they felt in 
their element; and the beasts, trembling in 
comparative security, often heard by night 
shouts of delight amid breaking branches. No 
wonder they bowed to the indomitable rose- 
youths ! 


The intense cold abruptly subsisded. 

A few more days, and the icicles on the trees 
began to weep. Montrose looked solemn. His 
buoyancy was not quite as of old. So he 
mounted a boar; Rostock the nearest beast on 
hand, a jackal; and these were hurried through 
the forest. At its border the youths spread their 
wings, steering direct for the Eagle-cliff with 
its invigorating storm -winds. 

The ascent of Montrose being unprecedentedly 
labored, Rostock checked his flight accordingly. 

34 


Unique Talcs* 


~ The five eggs had by this time developed into 
formidable young eagles. Forth from five beaks 
there suddenly arose the cry: ‘‘Parents! fly- 
ing porcupines are approaching!” 

Father and mother at once bid a smiling re- 
ception, and silence and self-control up to a 
given moment, as those strong birds had nursed 
them in their nest and were benefactors in 
general. 

The rose-youths had a fine reception; suspi- 
ciously so, thought Montrose, seeing the hosts 
in such broad smiles. 

“Where are my albatrosses?” he demanded 
harshly. 

“Just on a fishing expedition.” 

“You have not ill-treated them, I trust,” 
was retorted ; “or I should twist the neck of 
each one of you,” with a voice feigning tem- 
per, but really weak from exhaustion. 

To Rostock he whispered, thereby causing 
him to change color : 

“On account of waning strength my heart is 
breaking. Betray me not, or you are lost, for 
35 


Unique Talcs* 

without my inciting co-operation you could 
not cope with these seven. 

“Is this cutting air still wanting in sharp- 
ness?’’ whispered the other; “why not dive into 
the Heart of Winter?” 

“Too late — too late. Support me, keeping 
close to me.” 

Without much ado Rostock threw himself 
upon a parent eagle; and Montrose just man- 
aged to mount the other. 

Both eagles were kept so close together, that 
Montrose remained within reach of his friend. 

Only too glad seemed the birds, not to be 
spurred on toward the sea for an audience with 
the albatrosses. 

“Whither are you reining?” asked Rostock. 

“To the home of my forefathers.” 

And there, on the yet bleak mountain, the 
winged bearers were discharged; and Montrose, 
reclining on one of the hillocks within a square 
inclosure formed by low cedars, muttered : “Go 
forth, good friend ! to the most beautiful Rose in 
the blooming Valley of Spring, with the mes- 
36 


Unique Tales* 

sage — sad and strange— that my last thoughts — 
encompassed — her. ’ ’ 

Kostock tore himself off. 

While descending, he became possessed of a 
singular light-heartedness, and felt himself un- 
dergoing a change, as yet but vague. 

Already had he set foot upon tracts bestrewn 
with verdure, whose richness increased on his 
downward path. 

How mild, hov/ sweet the air ! Appreciably 
more so as he proceeded into the Valley of 
Spring — one field of young flowers, a world of 
fragrancy bathed in the rays of the sun. 

And fairer than ever, the wild Rose of Spring 
there met and embraced — Rosette, again trans- 
muted from Rostock into the former rose- 
maiden, which restoration she welcomed. 

The message of Montrose was received with 
faint sadness and blush. 

Dame Nature, no doubt, felt rewarded for in- 
dulging the roses, who, thanks to her indul- 
gence, performed their beautiful plays. 


37 


Unique Talcs* 


VI. 

ANOTHER SPRING AND A HOME. 

Joy again pervaded the maidens. The past 
was forgotten, the joyful present all, all to 
them. 

After having enjoyed the greater part of 
spring in the valley, their strolls over smiling 
hills were unexpectedly brought to a standstill 
by a human habitation. 

A small triangular patch of grass, protected 
by chains suspended from three granite pillars, 
adorned the foreground; and the rose-maids, 
overawed by the strangeness of all this, would, 
no doubt, have flown away to the free country, 
had not the artistic arrangement of plants in a 
vase, within that green inclosure, fascinated 
them. 

And furthermore a sound like a shrill bark — 
38 


Unique Tales* 

‘‘This surely is my Serafino!’* exclaimed Eo- 
sette. 

Both listened. 

Rosette had loved her little dog; and that 
love now returned. 

A faint, whining sound was now heard — in 
the direction of other quarters, sheltered by an 
old wall, only then observed on the right; a 
narrow lane, darkened by the height of the 
wall, ran alongside of it until withdrawn from 
sight by some descent. 

The wall was compact except for a small 
wooden door. 

On the spur of the moment Rosette had rung 
the bell; and with throbbing heart both waited. 

Anon the door flew open by means of a wire 
contrivance wrought by some figure on the up- 
per steps leading into a low, solid, brownstone 
manor. 

Or were there two somebodies? 

Although not distant, they could not yet be 
discerned, owing to the evening twilight. 

“Are you not here, my dear Serafino?’’ 

39 


Unique Talcs. 

“Not a bit!” a voice on the upper landing, 
immediately echoed from a side of the wall- 
inclosed garden, which, extending from the 
right, made a turn behind the manor. 

“No?” still questioned the maidens, prone to 
turn back. 

But the thick door had flung to with a bang. 

They hesitated, yet felt themselves allured to 
the stairs — the platform. 

And there Rose beheld the first human be- 
ings, so tranecendently lovely, so touchingly 
attractive, that she at once yielded to their 
caresses, the same as Rosette. 

Two little, frail widows in black these were, 
each with lovely, oval face, and blue eyes ex- 
pressive of love and sadness. 

Thus resembling each other, they could 
neither be denoted as the older nor the younger, 
because they were twins. 

Their combined age of one hundred and 
eighty-five years was not extraordinary in that 
family. 

However, their names are sufficiently dis- 
40 


Unique Tales* 


tinct for written records, showing Jane to 
have been the mother of a son ; Eliza a daugh- 
ter’s mother. 

“Didn’t I tell you?” asked the latter; a ques- 
tion echoed in the background. 

“Not a hit!” her sister’s answer, repeated in 
some darker distance. 

But why these tears in mother Eliza’s sweet 
eyes? 

While Jane, with all the ardor feebleness 
could command, caressed Rose; Eliza, draw- 
ing Rosette toward her heart, asked for her 
name. 

“Rosette.” 

“Didn’t I tell you!” This assurance, tri- 
umphantly uttered over and again, was joined 
by the mysterious voice in the same joyous 
accents. 

This time Jane did not contradict. 

Coincidence here sweetened life. Rosette was 
indeed the name of Eliza’s daughter, who had 
married, died, been bemourned, forgotten, save 
only as a child. Her hood, in mother Eliza’s 
41 


Unique Tales* 

toilet box, had revived but such memories; ob- 
livion of the rest 'was just as well. The little 
girl’s return had confidently been expected ; and 
there she was, fresh like a rose, adorned with 
rose-leaf garlands. 

The tender treatment wrought sensations so 
blissful to the maidens that they were per- 
suaded to delay. Neither of them had known 
a mother. To receive a mother’s affection — one 
as actual, the other as adopted daughter — that 
was a charm of power incalculable. 

With the same fascinating solicitude, the 
mothers endeavored to interest them in many 
curiosities in the house. 

The daughters then repaired to bed— -to Rose 
an entirely, to Rosette a comparatively new ex- 
perience. 

A more appropriate apartment could not have 
been assigned to them. Brilliant tapestry de- 
picted tropical forest scenes; and furniture: 
large, elegantly curved leaves of light and 
lighter green, forth from which burst flowers 
gaudy almost like a sun. 

42 


Unique TaleSf 

But now to sleep on scented pillows soft as 
down I 


Thus bedded, they slumbered till, at dawn, 
awakened by songs and shrieks, yelps and 
howls, as if tenants of forests and deserts were 
within the garden walls. 

Such was indeed the case! 

The corner room gave on both sides of the 
garden ; and each maiden gazing out of separate 
windows expressed to the other her astonish- 
ment at the sights. 

Lined all along the rectangular wall were 
cages filled with superb animals — a veritable 
menagerie. 

Spirited morning songs or yet loud laments 
were theirs. 

Before the lion had roared forth to the sun the 
cruelty of his fate, a voice had shrieked to the 
maidens: ‘‘Good-morning! DidnH I tell you?’’ 

“So the parrot was the rogue last night!” 
said Bose. 


43 


Unique Talcs* 

“Not a bit!’’ croaked the raven, claiming 
part of the roguery for himself. 

The favorite expressions of the widows bad 
evidently been caught by the birds. 

Alternating avenues of trees, grass- plots^ 
flower-beds, presented a pleasing garden, within 
which bloomed another garden in a conserva- 
tory so exuberantly filled with plants and fruits 
that they seemed to uphold its glass dome. 

Pleasantly animated by this concentration of 
animal and vegetable kingdoms,® the visitors 
flitted into the breakfast room, where the 
mothers were awaiting, and rapturously em- 
braced them. In this household all were early 
risers. 

There was the marked difference between 
supper and breakfast table, that at supper luke- 
warm milk, and lady-fingers were served; at 
breakfast lukewarm milk and little swan-necks 
— both of the same biscuit consistency, but of 
shapes as indicated by the names. 

Then it also came to light that, like his father 
and uncle, Jane’s son Theobald, called Theo, 
U 


Unique Tales, 


was a great zoologist, botanist— in short, nat- 
uralist — who, in the course of years, had, for 
purposes of his own, collected the beasts caged 
in the garden; many a capture entailing a stir- 
ring adventure, as indeed did the obtainment of 
plants. Short were Theo’ s stays at home, most 
of his time being spent on exploring expeditions. 
His returns were mother Jane’s days of balm, 
only disturbed by the apprehension of new de- 
parture. Theo’s last absence was of particu- 
larly long duration, harder than ever to bear by 
a mother strong in love, however otherwise en- 
feebled. 

“Oh, return soon, darling Theo!” had his 
mother said at the last parting. “Do tell me at 
what time you will return?” 

To this Theo, hastening away, had jocosely 
replied: “At three o’clock.” 

“At three?” she asked with earnestness. 

“Oh, 3"es,” his light answer; “as soon as all 
my animals make friendship with each other 
and the household people.” 

Deeper, the longer the darling remained ab- 
45 


Unique Talcs* 

sent, became the impression wrought by these 
playful words. 


The old ladies now settled down to a play at 
dominos, their only game. It was their custom 
to call out the number required from the part- 
ner. 

The rose-maids looked on amused. 

“SixT* called out mother Jane. 

After a remarkably long pause mother Eliza 
matched six and challenged four. 

Jane supplied that number and called for 
blank. 

Blank matched, Eliza enunciated “Three!*’ 

Hastily mother Jane arose, left the room, and 
waited for a long time on the stoop for her son’s 
ring of the bell. 

Crestfallen, her “Not a bit” scarcely audi- 
ble, she returned and rang the bell on the mo- 
saic table. 

A white-aproned maid servant asked for her 
pleasure. 

46 


Unique Tales* 

‘‘Bring ns tear-kerchiefs!’’ said her mistress. 
“We are weeping.” 

Eliza, to be sure, wept too; but more for 
company’s sake, since she had found her 
daughter. 

Presently silken kerchiefs were presented on 
a waiter. 

Fastidious ladies were these mothers ; as neat 
and nice as any of the dainty sex. 

On that day the game was not resumed. 

When, later on, the daughters joined in the 
play, they knew no better but that, as soon as 
‘ ‘ three* * was reached, the game was ended . That 
number called, poor mother Jane, “three 
o’clock ” in mind, invariably started on her 
hopeless errand to the outside stairs. 

At dinner there were served milk, eggs and 
menagerie-crackers, the various forms of which 
Jane arranged and moved on the tablecloth 
somewhat like chessmen, while mumbling: 
“As soon as all his animals make friendship 
with each other and the household people, he 
will return.” 


47 


Unique Tales* 

Eliza squashed the tiger under her milk- 
bowl, ejaculating: “Horrid creature!’’ 

“Cuckoo! cuckoo! cuckoo!” 

“Three o’clock!” cried Jane, and went, and 
returned. 

“Not a bit!” protested her sister and the 
raven ; and they were right, because that coun- 
terfeit cuckoo-clock struck three at any hour it 
pleased the caged cuckoo to intonate his song, 
while the real clock mouldered in the garret. 

After dinner it was the duty of an East In- 
dian to report to the ladies. 

Languidly, they listened to him as they 
would to an organ-grinder; they knew so well 
the song of Alec; a man in his best years, of 
picturesque appearance, the blackness of eye 
and beard well contrasting with his many-col- 
ored array. 

On him devolved the charge of the animals 
and the task of reconciling them to each other. 

Successful in but a few instances, disap- 
pointed in many, he had lost all vim and drifted 
away from the desired end. 

48 


Unique Tales* 


That perseverance is needed by a trainer, he 
was testing on himself; for, after unrelenting 
kindness had endeared Theo to him, be now, in 
the absence of his master, felt a revival of 
grudge against Theo for having captuied him 
in the jungle with a lasso. 

Hence the intention of an exit on Theo’s re- 
turn. 

Meanwhile his station pleased him well 
enough; more even since the advent of the 
Koses, so called in the manor, who seemed to 
stir his energies, as was at first perceived by 
some animation in his report : 

“Lion and lamb, both in one cage, my ladies! 
continue friendly. Jaguar and panther, how- 
ever, are at odds. Like friends they played to- 
gether. The jaguar then retired into bis cage. 
The jaguar, said I? Not so. The jaguar, less 
his tail, caught in the tight spring wire door. 
Like an ex-friend the tail was anon belabored 
by the panther, and could only be extricated by 
main force.’’ 

“Watch, appease, and report!” said Lady 
49 


Unique Tales* 

Jane, with two smiles for one frown, the smiles 
shared by the others. 

The garden was a relief to the rose-maids. 

Rose called the manor a hollow ; the garden, 
owing to its high old wall, a cave. All seemed 
to her so compressed, so strange; bearable by 
virtue of that strangeness and the liberal “air- 
hole,” which was the sky, admitting fresh 
breaths into the cave. 

After having gone the rounds of the cages, 
the Roses, always eagerly watched, would rest 
on one or the other of the rustic benches; and 
the roaring, intended for their ears, had an en- 
dearing sound; for the beasts loved the children 
of Nature; indeed, these seemed to exercise a 
soothing influence on that brute world. 

Without reminiscences. Rosette’s glance 
strayed from the eagle to the neighboring peli- 
can, while a flower bed sometimes awakened 
indistinct recollections. 


By liberal admission of air, required by ward 
50 


Uniqwe TaleSf 


and daughter, the dear old ladies, hitherto so 
timid of draughts, profited visibly. Their desire 
to please was more manifest on rainy days, 
when, without saying much, they listened to 
the spirited conversation, only in part intelli- 
gible to them. Sometimes they inserted one of 
the few remembered sayings which, even mis- 
applied, amused themselves and were suggest- 
ive to the Roses. 

The haggard hands now grasped, then 
stroked, and tender eyes endeavored to engage 
young glances of affection. 

Fossils, antlers, botanical rarities were 
shown; treasure boxes were displayed, appre- 
ciated. 

Before a glass-globe filled with flowers, whose 
cut stems appeared magnified in the water, Rose 
changed color, and explained that the sight of 
mangled flowers hurt her. 

None of that kind again adorned the mantel- 
piece. 

“From our wax flowers,” was rejoined, 
“you did not shrink.” 


61 


Unique Talcs* 

“Because,’’ answered Rose, “statuettes are 
to our liking. ’ ’ 

This so pleased the ladies that they hence- 
forth often moulded wax after live plants in 
fancy flowerpots, the rose-maids admiringly 
watching the exquisite process ; and what they 
admired became gifts for them. 

Their rose-leaf interwoven attire somewhat 
disturbed Eliza. 

“We wear weeds; they, leaves,” said Jane. 

“True enough,” said Eliza, an Echo empha- 
sizing the remark. 

Dominos were played no more without the 
Roses. 

Alec resumed his report : 

“The story of the jaguar’s tail, caught in the 
wire door, my ladies, has a sequel : Again I 
forced the two to play together; like friends 
they played. The panther’s onslaught 
seemed forgottten until the jaguar made his 
exit — headforemost not again. To save his tail 
he backed into the spring door ; clinched were 
52 


Unique Tales* 

ills fists, his smii6S how lavish, while h^ 
slowly backed and safely backed into his cage^ 
whither the r^er, being larger, could not fol- 
low to veu^/v the play.’^ 

Eliza looked at Jane, Kosette at Eose, 
Their '\cniles turned into laughter. Offended, 
Alec withdrew. 

Then only occurred to him the ludicrt>ttis art 
of the game; and he was found, holding his 
sides, by the maid servant, who hurried to be 
on hand. The clock was striking three. 

But Alec had an important report to deliver. 
After Lady Jane’s return from the stoop, he 
was again admitted, and reported: ‘‘By un- 
tiring observation, my ladies ! I discovered the 
enmity between wolf and lynx to be one-sided. 
Therefore, I gave to the lynx more than his 
due, and left him oversatiated in the corner, 
four neatly dressed legs of mutton just within 
his reach. I then withdrew the partition, when 
against him flew the hungry wolf. Meeting, 
beyond a snarl, no opposition, he grasped tha 
nearest tidbit ; a second one; devoured another 
53 


Unique Talcs. 

leg and still another; then, like the lynx, with- 
drew into his quarter’s farthest corner, both 
ogling, snarling at each other — nothing more. 
I closed the cages. This, yesterday. To-day 
I brought them together, unfed. No doubt the 
wolf had taken the four mutton legs for a peace 
offering. Both beasts are now fast friends, 
thanks to my strategy.” 

“This news,” said Lady Jane, “is reassur- 
ing. Your skill will doubtless be rewarded by 
your master.” 

“Our progress, madam, is impeded by the 
royal tiger.” 

“The horrid beast!” interjected Lady Eliza. 

“Alone, confronted with each other, lion and 
tiger are on good terms. Separate them, usher 
the lamb ” 

“The darling little snow-white lamb!” 

“Usher the lamb into the lion’s cage, and the 
tiger’s frenzy is beyond description. The lamb 
he cannot suffer outside of himself; the lion he 
wants to kill as its protector. Woe, woe to 
beast or man at such a time within the royal 
tiger’s grasp!” 


54 


Unique Tales* 

“Words unworthy of a tamer,” retorted 
Lady Jane. 

“Consider, madam, that his hatred against 
me, connected with his capture, is uncommon. 
I knew this tiger’s den. I knew his predilec- 
tion for man’s calf. The knowledge that there 
exist artificial eyes, legs and what not, sug- 
gested to me an aggravation of my calves. 
Thus provided, I, as if unconscious of his near- 
ness (for who would so quietly turn the back 
to such a monster?) I challenged him. He 
was upon me with a furious bound, burying 
his teeth into my artificial calf, whereupon I 
took to my heels, all the time spending the 
tape, which unwound itself as from a roller. 

“This calf,” argued the tiger, “is obviously 
part of the man;” while master easily flung 
the ** 

“Butterfly catcher,” rebuked Lady Eliza. 

“Exactly,” humored Alec, half -perplexed — 
“flung the net over, and captured him. And 
the tiger never forgave me.” 

Unmoved as the recital had left the Roses, 
55 


Unique Tales 

mother Eliza’s irony moved them to hearty 
merriment. 

Mother Jane remained absorbed in a scheme 
of her own. 


56 


Unique Talcs* 


VII. 

WHAT A venture! 

While a storm of almost equinoctial char- 
acter betokened the wane of summer, the 
rose -maids fashioned, under affectionate guid- 
ance, their maiden wax flowers, first and last 
touches to which consumed quite a number 
of pleasurable days. 

Neglecting the animals, Alec studied in his 
apartment a map of Australia, mistaken for 
one of Asia. All with a view to deserting. 

The old gardener’s chief occupation was rest ; 
the young maid-servants’, gossip within closed 
doors. 

Under these circumstances the field was clear 
for the accomplishment of good mother Jane’s 
design. 

As Alec, with his long-distance iron hook 
57 


Unique Talcs. 

and poker, was deemed a coward and a liar, 
she herself must pluck up courage and effect 
reconciliation between the animals, whereby 
Theo would be led back into her arms. 

Softer than ever were her steps, now directed 
toward the farther cages; yet she could not 
elude the many watchful eyes of the animals. 

“Good -morning!” said the parrot, although 
it was afternoon — an anachronism no doubt 
learned in a land where an afternoon perform- 
ance is called matinee. 

The beasts, passed without the usual salute, 
looked after her in surprise. 

The huge tiger stopped his tramp when 
catching her searching eyes. 

King of the desert, erect though reposing, 
changed his distant gaze into a look most 
close. 

Without misgiving Jane climbed into the 
cage of the lamb. 

The little pet approached her and was told : 
“You are so sweet; look soon your sweetest. ’ 

Her kindly touch, her soothing voice pleased 
68 


Unique Tales* 

the lamb; and presently the lion begged for his 
share. 

Jane unbarred, left that inner door wide open, 
and gently laid her arms around the lion; he 
was so big that there was much to pet. 

“Continue good,” she said, “and all of us 
will yet be happy.” 

Peculiar contortions underwent the lion’s 
muzzle ere clearly enunciating “Good 
mamma.” 

Then he settled in a posture of comfort. 

The lamb reposed on a couch in its cage. 

Jane, seated near the lion on a footstool for a 
little rest and reflection, was soon attracted by 
the royal tiger. Rolling and purring he 
seemed to invite the frail little lady in black to 
visit him. 

So she unbolted, bolted, and was with 
him. 

The giant tiger behaved toward her much 
like a pleased kitten ; and the visitor returned 
his endearments, whispering to him that the 
lamb was beloved everywhere, and that the 
59 


Unique Tales* 

tiger would be admired and loved by man and 
beast if he protected the lamb with the lion. 

The animal listened attentively. 

His mood seemed to warrant a trial. The 
tail still wagged, affection was still expressed 
by eye and purr. 

Precious time must not be lost. But while 
she went to the iron door in order to unite the 
three, the lamb approached her, the lion keep- 
ing pace. In an instant the tiger became a 
terror of first magnitude. By the force of his 
onslaught the heavy bars were bent where 
mother Jane had just stood. 

The lamb was safe — was she? 

Lion and lamb as yet engaged the frantic 
tiger. 

Egress to the garden was barred. No matter 
with what danger, she must retreat through 
the cage occupied by the large brown bear, 
Bruno. 

While busy with that bolt, the thoughts 
crossed her mind, that she could not yet be 
spared; that her son might marry, and who 
GO 


Unique Tales* 

would then take care of his children and 
children’s children? 

Safely in Bruno’s domain, she found him to 
be a respecter of manners and age. Simply 
lovely was his behavior. Stroke her he did; 
even danced with her until she said : “Enough, 
dear child! though I’m less old than thou 
thinkest.” 

He then smilingly petted her on the back, 
most excellent Bruno did; and virtually as- 
sisted the dear lady in unbolting the door for 
herself and bolting it for himself. 

Turning toward him on the lawn she saw 
him, the right paw over his heart, still smiling 
upon her. 

“You are a very good boy!” she said to him. 

To the growling tiger, with ears still thrust 
back and teeth still gnashing, she said: “Just 
as wicked as wicked can be.” 


When Jane entered the drawing room the 
wax statuettes had developed admirably. In 
spite of that enjoyable pastime Rosette had 
61 


Unique Tales* 

quite missed her aunt. ‘‘I will tend her more 
steadily,” the child said to herself ; “for both 
she and mother are in great need of my serv- 
ices.” 

Not that Rose had been unmindful; but 
whatever were Rosette’s abnormal attributes, 
in Rose they prevailed in a higher degree. 

As to the conditions for Theo’s return, no 
member of the household took mother Jane’s 
view seriously. 

On the next day Alec interrupted the game 
at dominos. 

“In spite of unceasing care, my ladies — ” 

“In future,” said Lady Jane, with unusual 
sternness, “only progress is to be reported. 
Keep all in order; and as results can only be 
produced by visits in the cages, use this (hand- 
ing him a purse) for purchase of iron mask and 
armor to shield your person on the battle 
fields.” 

Friendly union of the animals she no longer 
expected. However, there remained “Three 
o’clock,” in other words — Hope. 

62 


Unique Tales< 


VIII. 

ANOTHER HOME. 

Summer bad to yield to autumn, and with 
summer Rose appeared to fade. 

A wild alarm seized all, and, bathed in tears, 
Rosette addressed Dame Nature: 


“ Mother, mother, Mother Nature, 

Look upon this lovely maid! 

Wan her cheek, rose-wreath though fading. 
Call her not beyond your aid. 

“ Of the myriads on the meadows 
Her you chose to wander round. 

To encourage and enlighten 
Whom in darkness she there found. 

Birds in need of you she tended; 

Fishes owed their rescue to 
Her hand ; embarrassed deer she guided, 
Saving all to worship you. 

63 


Unique T ales* 

“ And the rambles, flights and swimming 
Of this child of Nature were 
Ecstasies which in a measure 
With your favorite you did share. 

“ Enjoy with her your bracing winter, 

Muff and wrister and chilblain ; 

Let her see ghosts of rose-sisters 
On the freezing window-pane ! 

“ And when snowflakes, tired of dancing 
With shrill winds, rest on the earth. 

Let her, joyous of their pleasures. 

Doubly value this warm hearth. 

“Mother! surely of these blessings 
You will not your child deprive — 

Mother, mother. Mother Nature, 

Hear my prayer, O save her life 1” 

“Spontaneous combustions like these, dear 
child! are pleasing. ” In melodious voice she, 
in whose raiment glorious tints of autumn pre- 
dominated, continued: “Your playmate shall 
be saved on two conditions. ” 

“Oh, name them, good Dame Nature!” 

“That of attributes of a wild rose you be 
divested.” 

“Willingly; so she but live.” 

64 


Unique Tales* 


^ ‘Have Rose transferred to the adjacent green- 
house, where in artificial summer she will pros- 
per, provided she continue missionary work,’* 
which said, the Power vanished. 

Rosette, of rose leaves shorn, then felt like 
any child that has not been a rose ; and what 
she lost she gained in other ways. 

With warmth, enchanting the good mothers, 
she revealed to them the secret of Rose. 

Presently all thoughts were directed to the 
object neglected by all save the venerable 
gardener, the conservatory. Who, indeed, 
would during the hot season, with plenty of 
choice garden flowers in the open air, have 
thought of entering a hothouse? Nobody less 
than Rose and Rosette. 

At the glass door the gardener met them with 
a shake of the head, indicating that he could 
make no success of the plants. 

“What ails them?” asked Rose. 

“Too much or too little of everything.” 

“Maybe a secret sorrow,” said Rose. 
“Leave me alone with them, good friends.” 

65 


Unique Talcs* 

When she entered, and all the flowers turned 
their countenances toward her, she perceived 
them to be troubled, because they were not fair. 

Aware that flowers are rather quintessence 
of love, than of thought, she addressed these in 
accordance with their reasoning powers. 

“Why art thou unhappy?’’ 

“I die in envy of my neighbor, owing to the 
fragrancy which she exhales,” whined a 
double, black-eyed Susan. 

“Just reflect on thy stature as compared with 
the lowness of the violet.” 

And Susan reasoned it all out, and became 
happy, hence beautiful. 

So did the violet, who, through blind jeal- 
ousy, never once had thought of her own ex- 
quisite advantage. 

The enthusiastic outcry followed : 

“We have an Apostle of Nature among us, 
well worth listening to.” 

Such indeed Rose proved to be, reconciling 
all of them thus removed from the direct influ- 
ence of Nature. 


66 


Unique Talcs* 


Azaleas and cinerarias, who had even envied 
the ivy for being no flower at all, again beamed 
with joy. The maid-of-the-mist, inconsolable 
no longer that she were not bathed in genuine 
mist, doubly appreciated the beauty of the deli- 
cate verdure which enshrined her, a picture of 
prettiness. No flower but bloomed at her 
best; begonias spread their leaves to the fullest, 
myrtles, oleanders, their pride how becoming! 
Lemon tree, orange tree, erect like the palms 
that only bent to the glass roof’s bidding. 

At the sight of all this magnificence the gar- 
dener stood like one transfixed ; then crossed 
himself, and mumbling something about “sur- 
vival of the fittest,” and constellations, betook 
himself to the fire house with its ovens and 
water tanks, where he devoted himself to sup- 
plying the conservatory during the cold months. 

He looked through one of its panes when reg- 
ulating the heat, even at the outside fearful of 
the charm connected with that fairy palace. 

In its temperate air Rose had soon recov- 
ered ; and she flourished with flowers for com- 
67 


Unique Talcs* 

panions, juicy tropical fruits for food, and vel- 
vet cushions for comfort. Under her care each 
plant gloried in its existence, and thus sprang 
forth wonderful tales of happiness, unrepeat- 
able where only a short tale may be told within 
a long one. 

Rosette had lost — and did not miss — the gift 
of understanding the language of flowers. 
Rose she loved, but with another love. Rosette 
loved flowers and loved Rose as a flower. 
Aware that her friend was perfectly happy 
alone with the thriving flowers, her visits be- 
came less frequent. 

So much the more assiduous was her care of 
the dear old mothers. 

From day to day these had hoped for a 
change of the icy weather in order to pay a 
visit to the beloved Rose. 

The moon, the stars shone brightly; some- 
what relenting seemed the cold, when mother 
Jane said: ‘‘To-morrow we must surely see 
dear Rose.” 

Eliza meekly protested, then consented. 

68 


Unique Tales* 

Rosette begged to consult Copernicus, the 
weather prophet. 

The gardener felt highly honored by such 
calls, to which he responded in Sunday attire. 
Reverentially he said: “A northern snow- 
storm will carry the day.” 

Rosette begged for delay. 

Sadly Jane then said: ‘T shall not sleep a 
wink till I have seen her.” 

So all agreed, fair weather or foul. 

Lo! What weather! The lower the mer- 
cury, the higher the storm-swept snow. 

“Dear mothers, wait!” 

“ Ever delay, 

And lose the day,” 

sang the mothers cheerfully, and enveloped 
themselves in one set of furs after the other, 
until the wardrobe was as empty as momen- 
tarily the way to the hothouse was cleared of 
snow. 

And when the dear ladies crossed over, they, 
their lovely faces hidden by tenfold thick- 
nesses, looked like Eskimos with a vengeance; 

69 


Unique Talcs. 

and the caged beasts looked at them, astounded 
—the polar bear, with an expression so sad that 
it might have been attributed to homesick- 
ness ; a peculiar kind of snowbirds gave them 
a startled look. 

A jubilee, a day of bliss unrivaled this was 
in the fragrant, the blooming summer house! 

Nectar was served and ambrosia. 

The guests returned and were no worse for 
the adventure ; however, the furs were packed 
away for the winter. 


Storms and bright days interchanged with 
each other; yet the brightness was but cold. 

The wand of spring, would it never be 
wafted? 

Impatiently was Copernicus summoned. 

‘‘Tell us, when will green-house temperature 
prevail out-of-doors?’’ 

“Daytime is unfavorable for prophecy. 
Night sky willing, lifelong practice shall 
assert itself to-morrow.” 


70 


Unique Talcs* 


The night drew near; clouds too, they scat- 
tered ; clear became the atmosphere. 

Next day Copernicus declared : 

“ May the first: 

Day the first 

Of hothouse temperature.” 

‘‘Six weeks to wait? Good gardener, make 
it shorter.’* 

“Impossible. Barometer, and stars, and 
rosary agree.” 

“Which gives us time for preparation, and 
if your prophecy comes true, a high honor shall 
be conferred upon you.” 

The gardener doubted not, and took reveren- 
tial leave. 


71 


Unique Talcs. 


IX. 

NEW DEPARTURES. 

Behold the first of May arisen like a mira- 
cle I The sun spread greenhouse air; birds, 
visiting the green and blooming garden, were 
full of songs of brook and meadow. Spring’s 
charm rejoiced the animals in the cages. 

A day when life meant joy. 

And the household people stepped forth; 
Jane and Eliza quite swiftly, with purple rib- 
bons in their caps for May-day celebration. 

To the conservatory their steps were directed, 
where Rosette lifted the radiant Rose (light as 
a feather) into the good ladies’ cross-folded 
hands. 

In this festive fashion she was carried past 
the cheering servants upon a throne suited to 
such a unique fete champetre. 

n 


Unique Tales* 


A smile of happiness dwelt on his counte- 
nance when Copernicus, placing a crown upon 
her head, proclaimed Rose May-queen. 

She thanked all round; with dignity and 
grace she prayed that those of her greenhouse 
friends, whom she had labeled with a crimson 
heart of love, be transplanted into the garden. 

“ The less restricted their environment, 

The larger-hearted are their thoughts ” 

This just uttered, the bell announced a caller. 
Poor mother Jane held her breath. 

“Didn’t I tell you?” she said faintly. 

Alec on the stoop pulled the wire. 

The heavy door sprang open, and as quickly 
closed. 

“Not a bit!” said Eliza; and parrot and 
raven confirmed. 

Forth stepped, or rather flew — so rapid was 
the motion— a figure like a dwarf, yet manly 
to the utmost. 

With a thorn switch he raised the wind and 
whipped it so that it sighed and yelled • and the 
73 


Umqwe Talcs* 

shrill sounds brought each one of the animals 
on its feet. 

With more than eagerness all stared, with 
awe. 

Before Rose, the queen, he halted, bent his 
knee; he offered her his hand. 

She faintly blushed. She raised him, whis- 
pered in his ear. 

Rosette he knew not; him, she perchance re- 
garded like a vision once seen in a dream. 

The ladies, at first perplexed, were reassured 
by his kind look ; and sympathized when with 
emotion he exclaimed: “Found, found at last! 
A happy man, I bring good news!’’ 

All lived in glad expectancy. 

“Are you all happy, too?” 

Rosette explained what ailed good mother 
Jane. 

Rose then burst out: “Montrose! Why are 
you clothed in such a heavy bear-suit, fitting 
garment but for winter?” 

“Evolution!” cried Montrose merrily. 

There was heard a snickering. 

74 


Unique Talcs* 


Strange to say, the donkey, at least the wild 
donkey or yet the zebra, was the first one to un- 
derstand. 

“What?’’ asked the owl. 

“Evolution !” shouted Montrose more lustily. 

The donkey snickered. 

“What means that funny word?”’ asked 
others. 

The donkey answered: “That he, an em- 
bodied winter rose, hath, in the course of trans- 
migration, now reached the stage of trans- 
formation into a bear.” 

The owl then also snickered; so did its neigh- 
bors; the contagion spread — the watchword: 
“Less bud, more bear,” reached the hyena, who 
burst into the wildest fits of laughter, soon 
joined by hilarious roars of lion, tiger and the 
like. 

Not less heartily laughed the domestics; 
laughed Rose and Rosette and Eliza; even 
mother Jane’s tears of bitterness had turned 
into tears of merriment. 

One great interest uniting all, Montrose, with 
75 


Unique Tales* 

the shout, “Now or never!’’ flew from bolt to 
bar. Each cage was opened, emptied; his 
presence was enough, the thorn switch whip- 
ping hut the air. 

The lamb he had gently deposited on the 
lawn, where all assembled in sweet harmony. 

Bruno, the bear, said to Montrose: “Glad to 
meet you, brother.” 

Montrose shook claws : ‘ ‘ Glad, too, ’ ’ he said — 
fuel for more uproarious laughter. 

The rose-switch only smote the air. Couples 
were formed as for a dance on the lawn. 

This achieved, Montrose flew to its center, 
his gaze uplifted, as all thought, to Rose. But 
near her (visible but to the two) stood majestic 
Dame Nature, blessed them, blessed all, and 
pronounced the bowing Montrose henceforth 
free from bearish fetters. Rose also thanked her. 
For dance the frames of the jolly beasts were 
too shaking. A grand promenade was there- 
fore arranged. 

Between lion and tiger walked mother Jane 
and the lamb. 


76 


Unique Talcs* 


Mother Eliza, then asked by the smiling tiger 
for a partner, accepted his forearm ; and after 
some rounds was overheard to say: “To think, 
that I ever called you a horrid creature!*’ 
“Happily,” had answered the tiger, “there 
are sweet afterthoughts.” 

To her partner elephant the giraffe incident- 
ally remarked: “Even if lifted upon your 
trunk, I could not peep over this wall.” Hu- 
morously trumpeting: “For a’ that I can peep 
through the conservatory’s upmost window,” 
the white elephant trunked over to her a cocoa- 
nut plucked at that height. “Hard to hold it, 
laughing,” said the giraffe through her pearly 
teeth. 

And as fortunes also sometimes come not 
singly — hearken ! The doorbell suddenly rang 
— rang all into silence. 

Where was Alec? What possessed the 
cuckoo-clock that it struck three o’clock, when 
it really was three o’clock in the afternoon I 
“Alec! Alec!” called Lady Jane. 

So profound the silence that the bullfinch’s 
song was heard : 


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Unique Tales* 


“ Enjoy, O enjoy life, 

So long as lasts its little flame ” 

Montrose pulled the wire. 

“Didn’t I tell you!” flowed slowly forth 
from the depth of the mother’s heart. 

This time no dissenting voice. And while 
in the embrace of Theo — of Theo, her beloved 
son — she had nothing, nothing for him but 
tears of joy. 

“I am happy to see you so well, mother! 
and these pretty purple ribbons, too, ” he said 
quite tenderly; and nought dismayed by the 
jolly combinations around him, the matter-of- 
fact man merely addressed to the assemblage 
the greeting: “I’m happy that you all are so 
very happy.” 

His mother still clinging to him, he, some- 
what disconcerted, asked her not to be too 
hard on him, and continued: “Not again will 
I leave you, mother. I have seen enough of 
the world, and shall devote my life to you, and 
perhaps to a book brimful of my experiences 
as an explorer.” 


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Unique Tales* 


Caressing Rosette, who (wanting to love 
whomever her benefactress loved) held his 
hand, Theo unburdened his heart to the mother 
in these words: “This rosy maiden ” 

“Little Rosette come back to me/* said 
Eliza. 

“ — would be a nice companion,” he contin- 
ued, “to a little East Indian girl, the daughter 
of a widow, whom, as dutiful son, I would not 
marry without your consent. She is refined, 
very social, fond of keeping open house, and of 
serving many courses at table ” 

“ Would you mind?** asked mother the aunt. 

“Not a bit.** This with delight. 

The expression of his mother*s dear eye told 
to Theo her assent. 

A happy family was this! 

That from fear of his master or the tiger, 
Alec had disappeared, did not matter, because 
Theo had brought with him a servant both 
faithful and efficient. 

“I’m glad he has a purse,** said Jane to her- 
self, Alec in mind. 


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Unique Talcs* 

In joyous expectation of a new playmate, 
Eosette looked for Rose in order to discuss 
attendant possibilities. 

The kangaroo, the lion, rhinoceros; the 
monkey, tiger, camel, gnu and all the other 
animals, except only the lamb, she perceived to 
have been ushered back into their cages; saw 
the lamb happy on the grass; saw gardener 
and servants. In vain she searched for Rose. 

That, prompted by unconquerable desire for 
land and sea, Rose and Montrose had sought 
the open— seemed after all, so natural! 

Rosette repeated to herself her consolation to 
the melancholy wren, that there are other sum- 
mers. 

By good Dame Nature Jane and Eliza were 
inspired to utter lightly : 

“Wild Roses will he Wild Roses.” 


80 


EMBODIMENT OF FRAGRANCY. 


CHRISTMAS-STORY, NARRATIVE OF ADVENTURES, 
AND FAIRY TALE. 


V 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE 


I. Christmas Boxes 83 

n. Promises 86 

III. A Speech 88 

IV. An Original Stage 90 

V. A Fairy Tale 91 

VI. A Hermitage 98 

VII. Fragrancy 102 

VIII. Finis Coronat Opus 117 

IX. The True Issue. 118 


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9 


EMBODIMENT OF FRAGRANCY. 


I. 

CHRISTMAS BOXES. 

Ro doubt every family has traits of its own, 
and the trait of the Sternborn’s was to give 
presents to Agnes and Felix, aged nine years 
and seven respectively, but once a year — at 
Christmas, of course. While the neighboring 
Bob and Joe received on birthdays, for in- 
stance, a piece of gingerbread and even a pic- 
ture, the parents Sternborn celebrated such holi- 
days by demonstrative congratulations, by em- 
bracing and kissing the birthday child; but so 
great is sometimes the obduracy of the little 
ones at home, that on last birthday, when his 
father looked love to him with moistened eye, 
Felix expressed regrets at not having Bob’s pa 
for father; yea, went so far as to say that he 
83 


Unique Tales* 

preferred gingerbread to affection. Gentle 
father, however, pressed the boy to his heart, 
and spoke of Renunciation as sister to Econ- 
omy, hence virtue’s disciplinarian. 

No wonder, then, that on the approaching 
Christmas eve their nursery looked utterly for- 
lorn with its doll like a mummy, its rocking 
horse like a lame Rozinante. But what a 
change when, as if by magic of the bells that 
sounded, the folding doors flew open, and hun- 
dred lights of the laden tree illuminated all the 
splendors, which where gifts extraordinary, 
such as a jointed doll that could talk, a Zoetrope 
raining pitchforks ; and when the well-combed 
donkey, who as yet had only opened and closed 
his eyes, turned out to be a real, live donkey, 
and, the boy on his back, made the circuit of 
the presenting tables, merriment was at its 
highest. 

With something of everything, books were 
not wanting; they, however, reflecting the 
father’s much-vaunted method of education, 
based on sternest realism, would not have ap- 
84 


Unique Tales# 


pealed to the still absent uncle ^s taste. But 
what exception could his sister Thusnelda — 
mother of the children — take to “Fox’s 
Martyrs” for Agnes, “Bloody Wars and Con- 
quests” for Felix, since she was probably con- 
verted to her husband’s faith, as every good 
housewife is supposed to be. 

Uncle’s absence could not be explained until 
the last candlelight shone on his telegram : 

“To Ernest Sternborn? 

Delayed by no less personage than Santa 
Claus himself. Timothy Tiddles.” 

A reconciling message, and pleasant, too, in 
that it promised renewed pleasure for to- 
morrow. 


85 







Unique Talcs# 


II. 

PROMISES. 

To live through a long night of expectancy 
is not so easy a matter as the simple turning of 
this leaf which introduces the kind reader to 
Uncle Timothy, the welcome guest at Sternborn 
Hall. To state that he looked very like his 
friend Santa Claus gives a minute description, 
if one except the eye, inasmuch as uncle’s ex- 
pressed more dreaminess than discrimination; 
and after some mysterious hammering in the 
nursery, where he had busied himself for quite 
a while, he there received his relatives, some- 
what ceremoniously; for he was to be the lion 
for the next half hour in which he would en- 
hance his reputation as an entertaining story- 
teller. 

Before ascending the newly erected platform, 
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Unique Tales* 


he was entreated by the children to admit Bob 
and Joe to the amusement; but Timothy ob- 
jected on the plea that interruption during the 
performance might break the charm, and a 
larger audience than of four could not keep 
silent. After the four had been vowed to 
silence, which promise Timothy insisted upon 
being strengthened by a kiss from each one, the 
children reminded uncle of their habit to rise in 
school when impulse seized them, at least when 
they believed they knew a thing or two. 

“Arise, but hold your little tongue ; and let 
me add that any question proposed in a story 
is to be answered by the teller alone!” said 
the amused uncle, leaving parents and children 
seated before an improvised curtain. 


87 


Unique Tales* 


III. 

A SPEECH. 

A SLIGHT tick, and the rising curtain ad- 
mitted to view the counterpart of Santa 
Claus, with his congenial smile and a pea- 
jacket, the pockets of which projected a good 
deal — from a heavy fur glove in each, maybe. 
He said: 

“ ‘With an eye for beauty you need not take 
the trouble to ascend the Sierras, but may ob- 
tain satisfaction in the city park,’ said I to 
myself when there standing in front of a basin 
filled with choice plants in bloom. After hav- 
ing imbibed their honey an oriole sipped the 
liquid crystal; other objects favorable to en- 
trancement gathered about when the harsh, 
‘Old clothes, sir?’ broke upon me. 

“ ‘I, for my part, wear only shining rai- 
ments,’ said I, indignantly. 

88 


Unique Tales. 


“ ‘Indeed, sir!’ persisted the peddler, ‘there 
is a sartin shine about them that brings them 
exactly within my line.’ 

“My farewell salutation, intended for only 
him, drove birds and gathering nymphs away ; 
it had been so emphatic that the sparkling fishes 
sought shelter under the circular emerald 
leaves; that lotos and lilies, after having 
stopped up their ears, closed altogether. The 
spell was broken. 

“This illustration of curse following inter- 
ruption I bring before you, brethren and nieces, 
because I have not full faith in your recent 
promises; and in order to impress you still 
deeper, I should like it to be understood, that 
each interrupter forfeit a Christmas present in 
case such were in store for her or him.” 

This much-applauded speech concluded the 
scene in the narrow antechamber. 


89 


Unique Talcs* 


IV. 

AN ORIGINAL STAGE. 

Another cliquetis, and the eye rested oi 
strangely pointed growths reminding of aloeSj 
hemlocks and the like, but upon the whole, in 
discernible by the uncertain light. It wai 
not long, however, ere a soft greenish lustei 
illumed their bursting into bloom ; and while 
this tropical garden spread out, a balmy redo* 
lence, as from the many flowers in the midst oi 
palmetto trees, pervaded the nursery. Lik^ 
one of those pictures which by simple contrive 
ance develop standing scenery, this paper flora 
had been produced ; and in order not to impair 
the illusion, the inventor kept seated on some 
elevation behind luxuriant shrubbery in a man- 
ner that scarcely his forefinger or a slate-pencil 
could be seen ; nor was it perceptible whether 
he recited from memory or read: 

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Unique Tales* 


V. 

A FAIRY TALE. 

Disinclined to superlatives, I yet feel duty 
bound to declare the tale, now unfolding, the 
most exquisitely beautiful one in existence. 
Not that ittreatsof fairies alone— for Ethelberta 
and Victor were as tangible a little girl and a 
little boy with ruddy cheeks and good stout 
limbs as might be found in the town where 
they lived among pleasant associations, not 
the least of which were a pleasant mamma and 
papa. Of indoor diversions there were many; 
and the garden was large enough to hold, be- 
sides an arbor, a flower bed for each one of the 
children. However, little attention was be- 
stowed to these luxuries in the city. The 
flowers, transplanted from winter quarters to 
the narrow beds, were no longer a novelty to 
Victor and Ethelberta; and to watch a few 
91 


Uniq«c Talcs* 

seeds growing up they considered not worth 
the while — for the awakening of spring in its 
unboundedness was to be celebrated in their 
country seat, whereto their minds began to 
wander. And yet, departure seemed a long 
way off, when reflecting that ere then consider- 
able time was to elapse even after Ethelberta’s 
birthday. No matter what garment of patience 
the little ones exerted themselves to put on, 
that birthday seemed never, never to come. 
At the bottom of all that pleasant flutter of im- 
patience was the sure expectancy of — Well, 
is a birthday present not the finest thing on 
earth? 

Up started, as if by agreement, both Felix 
and Agnes; but as quickly lifted the uncle his 
warning finger, and the deserted seats were re- 
taken. 

What then contained the ribbon-and-catnip- 
trimmed basket which father presented to 
Ethelberta? What, forth from its half-opened 
cover, said Mian, miau? 

Instantly both children, again on their feet, 
92 


Unique Talcs* 

were motioned down, while the shrubbery ap- 
peared to shake from laughter. 

A Maltese kitten of four short weeks’ duration. 

“For no silk, no gold, no diadem; for nothing 
in the world would I surrender this lovely, 
lovely kitten !” exclaimed Etbelberta. “Poor 
thing, in tender babyhood abandoned by 
parents! Mother and sister will I be to it; it 
is so pretty!” But kitten was not in the least 
concerned about bereavements of any kind; 
which contentment, ascribed to predilection for 
its owner, endeared it so much the more. It 
became the pet of the household. 

One morning Victor bethought himself of a 
joke, stood behind mother, and holding a soft, 
gray-haired sample toward her cheek, asked: 
“Where is dear little kitten?” whereupon she, 
deceived, stroked the sample tenderly, to the 
amusement of all at table. And this playful 
deception was frequently repeated; mother, 
pretending not to know better, aware that, even 
as one must always smile to a smiling baby, 
she should humor every little joke of a child. 

93 


Unique Talcs. 

The small garden now became the kitten’s 
garden, and school lessons were worked out in 
the arbor, because the clever climbing gave 
enjoyment to both, children and performer — 
little Maltese she was called, or simply “Mal- 
tese.” 

As Maltese was always under the eye of the 
boisterous playmates, not a cat dared even ap- 
pear on the high fence. What ebullition, what 
whirlwind, therefore, when at first meal in the 
country home, suddenly, from each of the din- 
ing-room’s corners, emerged a jealous jet-black 
cat (the janitor’s own) in hostile demonstration 
against Maltese ! Suppose you had never seen 
one of those black porcelain dolls, and all at 
once laid eyes on four of them, one in each cor- 
ner, would you not flee into your mother’s 
wardrobe? 

Up flew the children; calmed down; again 
shook the secreting shrubbery. 

Maltese fled into Ethelberta’s bureau drawer, 
where, couched on a lavender cushion, it with 
reluctance took the anxiously offered food for 
94 


Unique Tales. 


three days and nights — then disappeared, to the 
unutterable dismay of all concerned. 

After having (according to bis own state- 
ment) reshipped the four black cats to Africa, 
the janitor proved the family’s and little Mal- 
tese’s friend by indefatigable search for the “de- 
mented kitten,” as be termed her. Not an 
hour during the day without endearing calls; 
deeply into the night they rang, next day they 
extended to the neighboring farmers, and still 
farther. 

Something was wanting in all plays of the 
children. For their happiness, springtime was 
not what it should be. Were verdure ever so 
fresh, spring’s flowers were they ever so gay, 
some gray spot was wanting. 

Eating, they wondered, if kitten found food ; 
during rain, if she were protected. 

One fine morning Victor appeared in India- 
rubber boots. After a few words with him, 
his father was heard saying: “In slippers you 
are just as much of a man; put on your slip- 
pers!” and, light-footed, the boy started fora 
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Unique Tales* 

far, prominent point on the opposifce bill that 
commanded an extensive view. At moonrise 
he returned entirely dejected; and, after con- 
versation with his sister, one could perceive 
that the old sorrow still hung upon them. 

At this stage the narrator rejoices over being 
inspired to say — and begs the hearers to in- 
scribe in their heart the truth — that sorrow ia 
not meant to last. 

A few more days, a few more nighta cf 
worry, and, brave children of brave parents, 
Victor and Ethelberta summon Cabtor and 
Pollux out of their kennels. These St. Ber- 
nards shared the qualities of their namesakes 
in that they were, in the words of history, 
heroes united by affection, inseparable in enter- 
prise. The cavalier’s and cavaliera’s size and 
age may be determined when told that their 
weight just suited those giant dogs. 

Away they tore, the riders appropriately 
clothed in costumes heretofore worn by them in 
theatricals, now in real life. 

With a variety of feelings— fattier citing 
96 


Unique Tales* 

healthful influences derived from the school of 
life ; mother already enjoying the prospect of 
her children’s tale— the parents watched them 
through a spyglass until they disappeared be- 
hind the point visited by Victor some days ago. 

There the boy had perceived, beyond inter- 
vening valleys and lower hills, on top of a 
plateau some structure which, then painted 
golden by the evening sun, fascinated him 
again in broad day’s entrancing light. In that 
direction they bent their course. It proved in- 
deed to be no ordinary edifice — an observatory, 
where stars were plenty, but was, alas! ob- 
served no kitten. 

So on they rode, and when the shades began 
to lengthen reached 


97 


Unique Tales* 


VI. 


A HERMITAGE. 

“Well, well! Good-evening, children!’* 
said quite a small man, grown small by weight 
of years, and thin by scanty diet; indeed, most 
of him was a mind of his own. “You remind 
me,” he continued — “it takes a long time to 
remember eighty years back.” 

“Have you seen our Maltese kitten?” 

“And so you came,” answered Albin, the 
hermit, “to slay the dragon — dragons, ex- 
terminated last century, are a good way off. 
So you just take these fruits and this spring 
water, and pass the night on these oak -branch 
cots.” 

“Thank you. Is therein your hut a small 
gray cat?” 

“Not that I know. Ask my bird.” 

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Unique Tales* 

Wistfully gazed the bird, the richness of 
. whose plumage made him appear above medi- 
um size, at the questioning children ; then, turn- 
ing sadly away, sang melodiously in its open 
cage : 

“Lost, lost, lost I 
Trails diverging 
May seas be surging 
’Tween fragrancy and South.” 

“Have you found the kitten?’’ asked the 
hermit. 

“We could not understand the bird.” 

‘ ‘ W ell, wait ; refreshing sleep may strengthen 
your wits and his. A man of ninety, like 
myself, is always wide awake.” 

So they slept well on their little cots, undis- 
turbed by Albin’s prayers throughout the 
night; nor suffered safely caved Castor and 
Pollux from the rain that fell as a blessing not 
to nature only — But I must not again fore- 
stall. 

Awaking early and hearing him mumble, 
“Have you prayed that we may find our 
99 


Lof C. 


Unique Talcs# 


kitten?” asked the children Albin, who, caressed 
by the siin, sat on the outside bench. 

“Ask the bird,” said the hermit; and the 
bird sang his song. 

“What says the bird to your hearing?” 
asked Albin. 

“Lost, lost, lost! 

Trails diverging 

May seas be surging 

’Tv7een fragrancy and South,” 

answered Ethelberta. 

“To mine ears, aged one hundred, he sings: 

Viz., viz., viz.. 

To wit, to wit, to wit — 

which surely means : 

Viz., viz., to wit. 

Wanting wit. 

Away to whiz.” 

“Where is fragrancy?” asked Victor. 

100 


Unique Tales. 

“What is the use of thinking about that at 
my ripe age of one hundred and twenty. Let 
the dogs ask the bird; they may find the scent.” 

And to them the bird sang his song, which 
heard, they gave an impatient bark; and the 
children, mounted, had scarcely time to seize 
the offered berries — so impetuous was the 
motion of the dogs. At full speed they took 
an apparently unwavering course. Lost on 
Victor, with sword at his side, on Ethelberta, 
with escutcheon across her breast, was tho 
hermit’s call: “Visit me again! Good luck 
for your fight with the dragon!” 


101 


Unique Tales* 


VII. 

FRAGRANCY. 

The aspect of the country now changed in 
that, from the wooded hills through which they 
passed, a view opened upon long calcareous (at 
least chalky) stretches. These must be trav- 
ersed before fairer land could be reached. 
Pervaded as with the spirits of his bearer, Vic- 
tor uttered that he would pursue the search to 
the end of the world. 

Ah, little fellow! but where is the end of a 
globe? And are you aware that, even if the 
fourteen hundred and fifty million inhabitants 
of this rotund earth tendered their services to 
your highness, still many a retreat on its fifty- 
four million square miles would be left undis- 
covered? Instead of hastening, rather invoke 
a kind constellation, or trust in the habit of 

loa 


Unique Talcs* 


mother to pray for her son. A touch of so- 
lemnity in Timothy’s voice indicated his enter- 
ing into the heart of the story. 

As one unconsciously passes thousands of ob- 
jects protected by Nature — owls and treetoads 
among them — thus she conceals many a garden 
for uses of her own. Like birds of passage a 
couple of twin fairies had drifted into one of 
those exquisite reservations of Nature who, per- 
chance for the sake of their blindness, wanted 
to nurse them as her children. The encompass- 
ing rocks, in addition to hiding that spacious 
dominion, retained within it the exhalations of 
flowers which thrived there in profusion, each 
species in clusters. This manifold fragrancy 
constituted the life of the sisters. Deprived of 
eyesight, as they were, their sense for perfumes 
had become so refined that through them they 
inhaled the pleasures and griefs of existence ; 
or yet : Full exercise of each particular emo- 
tion of theirs was dependent upon a particular 
fragrancy; and also we, although not thus 
gifted and afflicted, are suflSciently subject to 
103 


Unique Tales. 

emotions and versed in fragrancies to at least 
imagine associations between the two such as 
existed in the mind of these our new friends. 
So, if inclined for sport, they chose — whose 
fragrance would you think? 

What flowers of color gay, 

By them unseen, 

To sense of ours betray 
Inspiriting force unseen ? 

For playing- rink 

They chose the province of the pink. 

Their dances over, they resorted to 

Quintessence of perfection, 

Perfume, engendering 
Peace, and tendering 
Slumber on down i’ the section 
For repose — 

Hail to thee. Queen of queens, O Rose ! 

“Abominably fanciful!’’ here escaped the 
lips of Ernest Sternborn. 

“Entirely natural alliterations,” gently re- 
buked Timothy; and the rebuked might have 
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Unique Tales* 

traced the lines of ‘Present forfeited,’ so audibly 
moved pencil over slate. 

So sensitive, continued imperturbed the 
narrator, tvere the blind to touch that in their 
careful flight they were never harmed by thorn 
or thistle. 

Nobody can call Dame Nature cold or unmer- 
ciful! 

Into this balmy retreat she guided another 
soul that appealed to her loving tendance, 
although this gray being only whispered miau. 
Before having found her way into the garden 
of the fairies, the demented Maltese had passed 
under a burning sun through dry, white regions 
as trjung to the eye as blinding snowfields. 
However, the universe being erected on the 
plan that help of some kind be ever within 
reach of the worthy, the kitten felt herself led 
to a spring near the entrance of this paradise. 
To dive her six-toed paw into it and to moisten 
her blue eyes with the water were actions of a 
moment, and as quickly she perceived her little 
self reflected, the encircling palm trees, and 
105 


Unique Talcs* 

even far off, over flowers, the twin fairies. 
“Only a catbird!’’ they sighed, and searched 
for the abode of 

GRIEF 

Geranium-scented, 

Based on belief 
That, the lamented 
In for half share, 

Through gravitation 
Separation 
End here or there. 

To that grove followed Maltese, and, 
although not quite her own self, she managed to 
assert herself as a companionable kitten. More 
endeared, there was apportioned to her the fra- 
grance of catnip, of course, the happiest selec- 
tion which could have been made. Weak as 
was her intellect in one direction, so much the 
stronger in another; indeed, thanks to kindly 
compensation, so strong that one fair day — fair 
they were mostly there— kitten knew enough to 
draw her friends from their pink play-rink to 
106 


Unique Tales* 


the adjacent well. Deeply she dipped the vel- 
vet paws into the liquid, gently clomb upon her 
friends, and with the tenderness of a mother she 
touched the eyes of the fairies. Beneficent 
seemed to be that humid touch. Seated near 
them at the spring, Maltese sagaciously ob- 
served the enlivening pupils— the overwhelmed 
amazement. 

“ How beautiful thou art!” 

“ And thou, how beautiful!” 

sobbed sister to sister, while they embraced 
each other. 

“Beautiful!” exclaimed in ecstasy Thus- 
nelda, nee Tiddles; and Justice being no re- 
garder of dimples and graces, the white mark 
of forfeiture became attached to Mrs. Stern- 
born’s name. 

And when, resumed her brother, in enrap- 
tured bewilderment their glances wandered 
over the superb display of colors, over the vast 
area covered with flowers, shrubs and trees, 
words failed them, but not tears to express un- 
bounded admiration. 


107 


Unique Talcs* 

“Here must also I,*’ said Timothy, with fal- 
tering voice, “observe silence for a while.’* 
Nor could by the sobs of their father the 
children’s eager attention be diverted from the 
flowerage before them of paper, yet sufficient 
for them to feel; What a blessing that also 
we can see. 

Emotion overcome, solemn delivery took its 
course. What inspiration in store for the new 
seers when night would disclose the magni- 
ficence of the heavens ! 

The beds of brilliant fragrancy-dispensers; 
the elevations presenting them to perfection ; 
the effect of the blending of colors within the 
grand frame of gem-dotted rocks; above all, 
the firmament: All these su blimities, absorbed 
with rapture, were now of no moment to their 
young benefactress who solely watched for a 
glance from their eyes. When these at last 
rested upon her, both sisters were impelled to 
call a kitten one of the loveliest creations ; and 
her ways of rubbing against them, curving her 
back as if too pleased with them, scampering 
108 


Umqtic T ales* 

off, yet returning for renewed caress, brought 
her often toward rose- lips. 

Promenading through the garden, they re- 
garded with growing amazement beetles and 
berries, foliage and flowers. From them their 
gaze would gratefully revert to the kitten ; and 
bethinking themselves of love due to her, they, 
as of old, closed their eyes in order to gain the 
scent to 

The love-incender 
Lavender: 

Intense as warmth of summer, 

As love that summer imfolds — 

Intense as love it embodies, 

Is fragrance this flower-bed holds. 

Before this cluster stood little Maltese like 
one charmed, in an instant inhalation of its 
perfume recalled to her the lavender cushion in 
the drawer, all attendant circumstances : and — 
happy to relate — effected was kitten’s cure, and 
a purr was added to her charms. Oh, how she 
then longed for her mistress ! Oh, how for V ic- 
tor and their home ! 


109 


Uiiiquc Talcs. 

A note of energy now forced through some 
fissure its way into the garden; a note not at 
all disconcerting nor fairies, nor her — for sensi- 
tive creatures know friendship’s bark. And 
when, at full gallop, the travelers bad reached 
them, there was joy in Paradise. 

No balm needed children and dogs for eye- 
sight; night rain had softened the white 
stones’ glare; and after both parties had smil- 
ingly scrutinized each other, the fairies de- 
clared human beings for the more admirable of 
the two. 

“In this instance, fairy ladies!” said the 
cavalier, “you err.” 

On their tour among blossoms and fancy 
grasses, fairies and children opened their hearts 
to each other; and with the words of their 
friends came the time of wonderment for the 
children. After the former had described the 
embodiments of fragrancy vouchsafed to their 
spiritual eye — “embodiments delicate, and, to 
this our second sight, not unlike the forms of 
hope, or love, or joy, beaming from your 
110 


Unique Tales* 


human eye’^ — the childen could not enough 
wonder that sentiments should have been 
formed or yet fostered by fragrance ; sensations 
of rising and falling, waving and waltzing, by 
apparently motionless blossoms. However, as 
soon as the fairies had learned from what a fas- 
cinating form emanated each fragrance, Fra- 
grancy language became intelligible to all. 

Sadly the sisters turned to the geranium leaf, 
which, they sighed, had been resorted to for 
grief over the loss of a dearly beloved bird. 
Far back as they could remember he had been 
their associate whose every mood they had 
learned to esteem. ‘‘Most we delighted in his 
songs when carried to us on a certain stratum 
of air: 

The heliotrope 
Much sweetness granted, 

Yet more was wanted — 

A something undefined, 

Her breath stirred hope. 

There his song also conveyed to us a great 
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Unique Tales* 


promise, now so happily fulfilled by manifesta- 
tion of the glories before us. When in our 
former odoriferous retreat, a flight of birds 
seemed to pass us seeking some warmer spring. 
Our friend is believed to have joined them; im- 
pulse subsiding he may have turned; but in 
absence of a guiding trail again have pursued 
his flight to the South.’’ Here, blessing the 
training that his memory owed to school, Vic- 
tor’s voice softened into accents of the bird in 
the hermitage : 

“ Lost, lost, lost! 

Trails diverging 
May seas be surging 
’Tween fragrancy and South.” 

After which the fairies sang : 

“ And so he staid North forlorn;” 

and, used to surprises, they eagerly asked if 
Victor were the bird metamorphosed? The 
truth soon told, there was a new outbreak of 
rejoicing; the kitten again jumped over and 
upon the dogs — the most famous ride on record 
112 


Unique Tales. 


— and in spite of their long journey the St. Ber- 
nards behaved as friskily as kittens. And 
such effusions of thanksgivings! Everybody 
thanked everybody, and their demonstrations 
in these vital matters naturally merged into a 
little hymn of thanks to good Dame Nature. 

The journey back to the hermitage was like 
a flying triumphal procession. 

“Well, well,” said our friend, the hermit, 
“how things have changed! In my early 
years dragons” (this at Maltese) “were larger, 
and, as I think of it, of different shape alto- 
gether ; and, bless my soul, if I ever laid eyes’ ’ 
(this at the fairies) “on such butterflies!” 
And be shook helmet and flag of the children, 
wings of the fairies, and paws of the rest. 

With reverence looked kitten at the bird. 

When bird and fairies gained sight of each 
other the sisters could move no further — such 
was their emotion, such their astonishment at 
the brilliancy of his varicolored plumage. 
Thus, with folded hands they stood. But the 
bird left the cage into which he had banished 
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Unique Tales* 

himself after all vain attempts to find the play- 
mates ; and tenderly nestling to their garlanded 
faces, he sang : 

“ Found, O found! 

Nothing ever 
Again us sever — 

Not e’en the fragrant North.’* 

“Thou shalt not die for us, beautiful bird I'* 
said the fairies. “ Whithersoever thou hoppest, 
thithersoever we will hop.’’ 

At this outburst of overflowing feelings the 
whole family Sternborn, only too glad to find 
an outlet for their emotion, burst into roars of 
laughter. 

“And whither thou fliest we will fly.” 

“Then let us migrate to the milder South!” 

“To the far, fragrant South!” 

Taking leave of dogs and kitten, their winged 
friends said : 

“Farewell, sweet quadrupeds with four 
legs.” 

Renewed peals of laughter filled the nursery, 
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Unique Tales* 


and repetition of the sentence was solicited by 
Thusnelda and Ernest. But Timothy Tiddles 
insisted with as much firmness as a laughing 
voice can command, that better things were 
coming. 

Said the fairies in kissing the children: 

“ Farewell, sweet bipeds on two feet.” 

If roars had followed former utterances, what 
should be said of the well-sustained uproar 
after this last greeting? 

“Too, too good!” shouted Sternborn. 
Nothing more had he to forfeit; and while 
through furrows, formed by hilarity, tears 
rolled into mutton-chop whiskers, he went on 
to say: “The fairies must have been in a 
humorous vein that afternoon,” which effusion 
forced also Timothy into hearty laughter. 

A sharp tick on the slate restored attention 
to the narrative. 

‘ 'Farewell 1 In other springs we meet again.” 

By their flight high in the air the hermit was 
moved to sing : 


115 


Unique Tales* 


* Viz., viz., 

To wit, to wit, to wit ; 

Birdie found at last his wit.’* 

Out of his cavernous coach-house he rolled a 
small conveyance, whereto were harnessed Cas- 
tor and Pollux. 

Victor and Ethelberta yet pointed out to 
Albin, who had not quitted these quarters for 
many a year, some not distant grounds which 
they had noticed to be far more sheltered, as 
also to offer more fuel and fruit. 

“Well, well,” said the hermit before his 
guests were out of sight; “to think of the use 
made of that rickety wagon in which I wheeled 
my blessed children two hundred years ago;” 
and cheerfully he turned his steps toward the 
new domain. 


116 


Unique Talcs* 


VIII. 

FINIS CORONAT OPUS. 

The observatory passed, the equipage could 
not move over many prominences un watched 
by the travelers’ parents. Seldom perhaps a 
spyglass did better service than on that occa- 
sion. ‘T am confident that my hopes will be 
realized!” exclaimed the joyous father. ‘‘My 
prayers heard, I anticipate much joy from the 
tale of their adventures!” were the jubilant 
words of the mother. And when at length 
sounds the post horn, and smacks the whip, and 
bark the dogs, and mews the kitten, the story- 
teller can hardly be heard when saying that he 
is pleased that you, dear friends, are pleased 
with such a joyful, such a glorious ending. 

iir 


Unique Tales* 


IX. 


THE TRUE ISSUE. 

Amid deafening applause Uncle Timothy 
stepped from the platform, griped deeply into 
his pea jacket pockets, and with tenderness 
handed to each one of the expectant children a 
tiny Maltese kitten. 

“Betsey,’’ he said to the receiving Agnes; 
“and Sammie,” to Felix, who, like his sister, 
jumped for delight. 

“Right were the fairies,” exclaimed both, 
“in naming a kitten a most precious treasure.” 

“Direct descendants from the Maltese of my 
story,” added uncle, by way of explanation. 

“These are not demented?” 

“Intelligent pets they were to put in their 
word just at the right times during the story,” 
jested the mother. 


118 


Unique Tales* 


“Pose a kindly black cat in front of them, 
and they will be all right,’’ was the uncle’s 
proposition, approved by the kittens; at least a 
quick double miau of each was thus interpreted 
by the children. 

“Idiosyncrasies (which sometimes means 
sublime endowments) do not descend to animals 
so much as to man ; and since Ethelberta and 
Victor are nobody else, dear children, than my 
mother and my father, I, Timothy, your uncle, 
am a genius of high degree, which I trust the 
rendering of my tale to have fully confirmed.” 

“Fully!” was the general ejaculation. 

“No less,” urged Tiddles, improving his vic- 
tory, “is to be appreciated its intrinsic value, 
replete as it is with delightful touches of geo- 
graphy, history, arithmetic, and with such en- 
tomological-ethical tendencies which make a 
fairy tale simply educational. And which was 
your favorite part, little girl?” 

“Some parts,” answered Agnes, “I did not 
quite understand ; but each mention of fairies 
made my heartlet perfectly happy.” 

119 


Unique Talcs* 

“No use/’ began to speak the father — “no use 
combating harmless, inborn disposition. The 
secret out, I am ready to change my method of 
education.” 

“For what length of time?” meekly asked 
Agnes. 

“Why not until they are of age?” ventured 
to interpose Thusnelda. 

“Thus be it!” answered Ernest Sternborn; 
and descrying “Fox’s Martyrs,” and “Bloody 
Wars and Conquests,” he hinted that he would 
as lief retain these in his premises till then. 

“This fault is easily remedied,” laughed 
Timothy, while again relieving his pockets, 
this time of the ponderous volumes “Fairy Tales 
of all Nations” for Agnes, “Fables of all Times 
and Places” for Felix. 

Perception of children, dear little souls! is 
keen. Her poor kitten asked for a velvet col- 
lar, interlaced with gold. Would not papa 
give one to Agnes on next birthday? 

“Kather would I give birthday presents to 
you for yourself,” advanced the reformed 
120 


Unique Talcs* 


father. Felix instantly brought this concession 
home to himself, and each child grasped one 
of papa’s hands. Mother, hastening to take 
each free hand of theirs, it so happened that 
the four formed a closed circle round Timothy, 
as yet, like his brother-in-law, unconscious of 
the performance. “However erratic my 
method may have been,” debated the latter with 
great animation, “I rejoice never to have used 
the rod, having substituted for the scriptural 
rod my by far happier, and doubtless more cor- 
rect translation, Advice (in German Rat), 
‘Spare advice and spoil the child.’ ” 

“Well, well,” interrupted Timothy (some- 
what in the tones of the hermit), beginning to 
realize his precarious position; “in due season 
we will work out for you a new method of edu- 
cation. Now let us yield to the pleasures of 
the Christmas festival!” And after a short 
pause, possibly in order to regain liberty, he 
said to the children : “Now call in your friends 
of all names whatsoever, and tell them that, 
although not quite five hundred years old, like 
121 


Unique Talcs^ 


hermit Albin, this Santa Claus has about so 
many peajacket pockets filled for good children, 
and particularly for good listeners.” The last 
words were uttered already beyond reach of the 
children, with a feigned reproachful glance at 
Mr. and Mrs. Sternborn, while to them tender- 
ing his empty hands. But, oh, how much a 
warm pressure of the hand contains 1 


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ALLOTTED FOR EACH OTHER; 


OR. 

A MODERN PARADISE. 





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7 


CONTENTS 


PAGE 


I. A Dream 125 

II. Haunted Grounds 128 

III. The Rose Garden and Cave of Faith 136 

IV. The Meeting and its Consequences 189 

V. Disenchantments 143 

VI. A Paradise 152 










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ALLOTTED FOR EACH OTHER. 


I. 

A DREAM. 

Such there be and should always be, who, 
finding themselves bearers of an illustrious 
name, endeavor to gratify their parents’ fond 
vanity by living up to at least one cardinal 
virtue of the celebrity after whom they were 
named. Let one, so unfortunate as to be chris- 
tened George Washington, but never tell a lie, 
and those around him, as certainly as himself, 
will be the better for it. 

Like him of the Madonnas, the young 
Raphael of this true tale devoted himself to 
palette and brush; but his productions were 
too flighty, too multifarious to make him great 
— flowers he painted, animals, landscapes, 
125 


Unique Talcs. 

Bometimes strikingly, often eliciting decided 
preference for the originals : “What,” had his 
parents said, “does that matter to him, the 
possessor of an independent fortune?” 

This leads to the mention of a genuine affin- 
ity of his with the renowned namesake — an 
affinity (developed but after the untimely, de- 
plorable demise of his parents) in the surpris- 
ing direction that he bestowed upon each woman 
the veneration due to a Madonna, a praise- 
worthy and imitable homage, to be sure. 

Himself he held so deeply beneath the lowli- 
est of the fair, that the thought of a marital 
union lay as remote from him as that of accost- 
ing an unapproachable deity. 

However, dreams come unawares ; and one of 
those which are prophecies guided him to a 
maiden whom (how suddenly are changes 
wrought through love I) he forthwith vowed to 
win. Black had been the attire lightly inclos- 
ing her lithe form ; the shortness of her black 
hair, just touching neck and shoulders — a bar 
to beauty, perchance, with others—seemed to 
126 


Unique Talcs# 


enhance the beauty of her features; but the 
charm, that held young 'Raphael captive, was 
the ingenuousness speaking out of her eyes, 
together with the unaffected cordiality where- 
with she had welcomed him in the dream. 

Her, therefore, he must make his own at 
whatever cost; and as the surroundings, illu- 
mined by her presence, had evidently been en- 
chanted, his first steps must be directed toward 
the haunted woods across the river. Night, to 
be sure, was yawning. But what of grewsome 
night, if it reveal the precious jewel ! 


127 


Unique Talcs* 


II. 

HAUNTED GROUNDS. 

The river’s aspect surely was forbidding. 
A forsaken rowboat, easily detached, proved 
as efficient as desired. At that hour no other 
oarsman would have ventured upon those 
waters, which were not long ere manifesting 
their connection with the haunted grounds. 
The rower’s eagerness, however, had no time 
for timidity. With satisfaction he perceived 
his passage quickened ; to others was then left 
the care of the helm. Eeadilj^ he counted them 
as part of the adorable “woman-soul”; and 
touching land he exclaimed: “Thanks for your 
services, sweet nymphs! I am your friend.” 

From a previously studied chart, joined to a 
volume entitled “Legends Old and New,” the 
solitary wanderer inferred that but one spot in 
128 


Unique Tales, 


those regions might be available for his pur- 
pose — one in their very heart, since no other 
clearing was marked as sufficiently spacious for 
the palatial structure connected with his dream- 
image. To reach that recess many a ravine 
had to be passed in the darkness, many an en- 
tanglement to be overcome with limbs and 
cane. Such retarding impediments were in- 
variably followed by increased speed ; and the 
sound of his hurried steps, multiplied by 
echoes, became strangely mingled with low 
notes, the origin of which remained a mystery. 

The sketched clearing was no myth. In the 
dim starlight were spread out before him sturdy 
trees or sometimes less definable objects encir- 
cling the space filled with luxuriant grasses and 
flowers — instead of the longed-for [romantic 
edifice. 

Hence another train of thought must be pur- 
sued ; and our knapsacked pilgrim prayed for 
inspiration, or rather tried to pray, while his 
disappointment fostered feelings at variance 
with edification, among them the growing sus- 
129 


Unique Talcs* 

picion, in part loudly expressed (while the 
sounds of his voice, vibrating as if sportive 
spirits played bail with them, belied his argu- 
ment), that the reputation of the forest was 
a fraud. 

But things remarkable are rare and take their 
time in coming. 

“Discouragement retards,’* bethought; and 
on he sped from wooded path to mossy rock, 
where motions more discreet were bidden. 
Anon a height was reached, along which there 
extended a spacious level way bordered b}’’ per- 
pendicular rocks, while the forest underneath 
was buried in blackness. 

With a sigh he felt energy succumb to 
fatigue; and, seated on a rock, his gaze wan- 
dered from the inscrutable dark to the wall in 
front, castellated and seemingly covered with 
scenes of the Middle Ages. Only for a moment 
did these rouse the artistic sense of Raphael ; 
for even if warlike pictures had been congenial 
to him, the true import of these was not dis- 
cernible in the uncertain starlight, excepting 
130 


Unique Tales. 


perchance a gigantic warrior designed and glit- 
tering on the directly opposite rock part. Un- 
consciously the artist had assumed a reclining 
position, and sleep surprised him on the mossy 
couch under a laurel bush. 

Sleep of questionable length — sleep shaken off 
as violently as it had softly come. 

Raphael stood erect. In art imagination 
had helped him out; but here facts surpassed 
his wildest fancies. Erect, like himself, still 
stood the wall in front. Was it part of a forti- 
fication of the Powers of the Dark? Had they 
let loose the terrors of an all-annihilating can- 
nonade? No flash, no smoke. No loophole in 
the solid rock. 

Or had a thunderous tempest burst forth? 
Under the still quietly shining stars? 

Then surely volcanic forces are at play, erup- 
tion fraught. Or yet will an earthquake thrust 
all into the gloom below? Already bowlders 
upon bowlders rolled into the unfathomable 
deep; already nearer raged the fury of the ele- 
ments. 


131 


Unique Talcs* 


“Not fury, startled traveler,” might a quiet- 
ing voice have whispered; “nor of elements. 
As yet proceedings in this adventurous night 
take an ordinary course.” Unnatural but the 
all too sudden transition from stillness to the 
violent movements of a powerfully built, splen- 
did snow-white horse, who, having espied a 
human being in this solitude, had galloped 
toward him over trunk and bowlder. 

Raphael, not long in recognizing the ani- 
mal’s overjoyance, repaid its endearments to 
the fullest. 

This proof of the unerring instinct of animals 
reminded him of a dove which once had flown 
out of a wilderness into his, a lonely wanderer’s 
arms. 

Before having assured himself whether the 
white mare were in any wise enchanted, he 
had asked her if a stately mansion existed, on 
these grounds, and she could carry him to the 
maiden in black; whereupon the horse had 
shaken the mane that reached below her broad 
chest. 


132 


Unique Tales. 


Perfect understanding established between 
the two, the animal stayed near by, content; 
while man once more bespoke repose, by this 
time convinced that his former sleep had been 
oblivion of a moment — so unbroken yet the deep 
of the night. 

“Beautiful companion,’’ he still said; “com- 
forter more substantial than mere whistling in 
the dark.” 

No repose, however, seemed vouchsafed to 
him; yea, unspeakable was his astonishment, 
his dismay, when the portrayal of the gigantic 
warrior broke, with a crash, loose from the op- 
posite rock- wall; when this giant in person 
lowered the visor, through which sparkled un- 
canny eyes ; struck with resounding vigor the 
flat of his weapon against the shield; bran- 
dished the sword, thereby forcing shrieks of woe 
from the rent air. A step forward, and he 
challenged to mortal combat him who had in- 
vaded and calumniated his territory. 

The mare, upon her trembling haunches, 
ears thrown back, nostrils distended, never de- 
serted her new friend. 

133 


Unique Tales* 

The artist’s sensitive nerves displayed a sim- 
ilar activity at this critical period of his exist- 
ence. Through his mind flashed the con vict ion 
that, by the shaking of her long, long tail (or 
was it mane?) the mare had conclusively in- 
dicated that his business in the woods was set- 
tled. 

Tempestuously as had roared the expectant 
giant, so softly followed the enticing cooing of 
Raphael’s befriended dove, perched on a higher 
rock which, on the right, revealed to quickened 
senses a curve in the wall, available mayhap 
for rapid ascension. 

Palette and brush, or yet pilgrim staff and 
knapsack, were they expected to cope with 
weapons sprung from rock? 

Forth from the mystic circle 
Come, come to me, 

To me — 

such meaning seemed the cooing to convey. 
The artist bethought himself of the comfort 
at the bosom of sweet safety ; and with a celer- 
134 


Unique Talcs* 


ity that would surely be envied by a hotly pur- 
sued buck, be turned toward, and clambered 
up the adjacent rock with apparently natural 
accommodations for ascent. 


135 


Unique Tales* 


III. 

THE ROSE GARDEN AND CAVE OF FAITH. 

Arrived above, one glance revealed a coun- 
try of many possibilities, yet enchantment free. 
The valley lay at a great distance. To meas- 
ure distance or indulge in other contemplations 
was just then out of question. 

The successful climber now tried his skill in 
swiftfootedness ; pursued the downward course 
until the stimulus was spent ; then laid down 
to sleep, sleep sweet, dreamless and refreshing, 
under the protecting stars. 

The first faint light of day removed his 
slumber. As far as reached his glance, down 
the grand slanting hill and up again to the op- 
posite ridge, he could discern but one species of 
vegetation— the most sublime to his intuition — 
rosebushes, all planted in equal nearness to 
136 


Unique Tales* 


each other. Velvety green incasing the lus- 
cious, fragrant blossom, suggested the moss- 
rose. Even thornless were these roses, whereof 
he, erstwhile bedded upon them, must have 
been an indisputable judge. Kaphael would 
not stop to analyze, partly because, from habit, 
he only searched for art objects on business tours 
(as otherwise he could enjoy nor object, nor 
scenery); chiefly, however, he now hurried 
through the rose garden, fearing not diminu- 
tion of mutual love — for that could never be ! — 
but interference of disturbing circumstances 
through loss of time. 

The roses left behind, he passed, ere yet the 
sun had fairly risen, by the brink of an extensive 
natural excavation, so bright in scintillating 
whiteness, so brilliant like phosphorescence, 
that he could not resist to descend, there to espy 
a multitude of caves with wide openings of 
equal lucidity; a white altar visible in each. 

Entering one of these shrines he found sus- 
pended on its altar a tablet on which was en- 
graven in diamantine letters the single word, 
137 


Unique Talcs* 


‘ ‘ Faith, ’ ’ This word he took to heart, cared not 
for the worldly treasures which the caves might 
hold, and moved on with cane and knapsack and 
with faith. 


138 


Unique Talcs* 


IV. 

THE MEETING AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 

“Where roses bloom 
There sometimes blooms a maiden.” 

With this effusion the artist had transcended 
into poetry, a form so favored by lovers, chiefly 
the lovesick. 

She at the garlanded porch of a farmhouse 
was, alas! not her with the black robe, the 
short black hair, the Roman nose. This latter 
thought scarcely framed, he recognized in it the 
fervently desired inspiration, genuine beyond a 
doubt. Joyfully he repeated to himself: The 
Roman nose ! and forthwith asked for the way 
to Rome. Mindful, however, that while believ* 
ing he had swerved from the direct course, he 
had found the inspiration through the by-path 
to the shrine, he henceforth sped with more cir- 
cumspection. 


139 


Unique Talcs* 


At length the scenery adopted the peculiar 
Italian character; yea, became Italy itself, of 
fascination so well known through pictures and 
books, if not through enviable experience. 


The end of another of many days drew near. 
Before, however, counting also that day as 
lost, he undertook a moonlight stroll, well not- 
ing the situation of the village inn. 

High trees formed the alley from whose 
graveled sidewalk he viewed a succession of 
rich residences, erected in luxurious gardens, 
each one of which would yield a painting of in- 
dividual charm, with orange flavor. 

Anon another estate revealed itself; larger 
than its neighbors; bordered by sturdy, low 
cypresses. 

The wanderer quickened his steps. His 
heartbeats quickened. Certainty was gained 
when, at the portal, the remote palace, on both 
sides adorned by high, superb cypresses, pre- 
sented itself to his excited gaze. 

140 


Unique Tales* 


Gloomy seem both, palace and cypresses; 

Lovelier ne’er was gloom — 

Kindly moon ! shift but thy silvery tresses, 
Shifting gloom to bloom. 

Thus Raphael — painter, poet, lover. 

Beset by a thousand thoughts he directed, 
amid shrubs and statues, his steps toward the 
edifice. i 

“Is the moon tired of good rhymes?’* he re- 
flected. ‘ ‘ Who knows her silvery moods ! The 
gloom, far from shifting, ever expands. Nay, 
I surely wrong the kindly moon. Shines not 
that white marble column e’er so brilliantly? 
The figure, whose elbow rests on it, cannot but 
be draped in black.” Such his tumultuous 
thoughts. “Is it a statue?” he still trem- 
blingly asked himself. 

Anon the figure turned its delicately featured 
face, verily encompassed with floating (though 
short) black hair; and laying both her hands 
into his, on whom now dwelled her soulful 
eyes, she replied to his impulsive quotation: 
“Like Niobe, all tears?” in touching notes of 
convincing candor : 


141 


Unique Tales* 

‘‘Niobe is as truly my name as yours is 
Kaphael. All this you see is not deceptive 
gloom, a playground for romance, but sad real- 
ity; for know, my mother died this week; my 
father, the marchese, never ill before, then died 
of love for her. Thus I an orphan, and gloom 
hangs over my estate.” 

. Then said Raphael to her: ‘‘Thus united also 
my parents pilgrimed into the Beyond. Like 
unto our parents we two will live for, and die 
with, each other.” 

And they were wedded ; for thus it was de- 
creed. 


142 


Unique Tales* 


V. 

DISENCHANTMENTS. 

In due season the bride was to be taken to 
the artist’s home. Neatly she laid out the 
route, whereof he, of course, fully approved. 
Yet something, she thought, weighed upon his 
mind; and with much coaxing she elicited the 
secret, that he longed to trace and further be- 
friend the beautiful white steed, which longing 
she then shared. 

By this new plan their wedding journey 
would (Fate willing) terminate in a pleasurable 
pedestrian tour. 

They also agreed to transplant one of the 
rare rose bushes into their future home for or- 
nament, or else model if (what was greatly 
doubted) corresponding supernal colors could 
be found on this earth. 

143 


Unique Tales* 

Another glowing description of the rose 
garden was hesitatingly followed by the confes- 
sion of his adventure with the giant warrior, 
related without reserve; and when praise was 
not withheld for the civilian’s discretion in the 
matter, Raphael rapturously drew the bride to 
his heart, exclaiming, “One heart, one soul!” 


Of baggage for shipment apparently there 
was no end I Yet still she urged: “I wonder 
whether your little house would hold the con- 
tents of seven more trunks; by my leaving 
your knapsack behind, the average would be 
adjusted.” 

“Heap on, Niobe!” quoth the husband, well 
pleased with her humor. 

“And if you have a little garden, I should 
dearly love to—” This point was dropped, 
owing to a peculiar look of his, not then under- 
stood. 

Of friends praying for early return none could 
replace the parents whom she had lost, none 
detract from the husband whom she followed. 

144 


Unique Talcs* 


A journey of happiness was theirs, during 
which they could not sufficiently extol the wis- 
dom of Fate in having brought them together. 

While lauding the immutability of love 
throughout the vicissitudes of everything else, 
they drew near to the station connected with 
Raphael’s inspiration. 

The tidy farm was apparently untenanted, 
save by a young eagle in vain striving to soar 
beyond its wire cage, of which lonely prison 
the observer made a note. 

The adjacent garden of roses should have 
been the next point of interest. But what was 
the young husband’s amazement, when, instead 
of exuberant flowerage, there arose before them 
a profusion of an entirely different kind of veg- 
etation. In the center of that immense undu- 
lating field they found themselves surrounded 
by innumerable cumbersome cabbages — cab- 
bage stumps, cabbage leaves, cabbage heads! 

Turning in bewilderment toward Niobe, he 
asked: “Is it possible, sweet love, that cab- 
bages be converted into moss roses for the 
145 


Unique Tales* 

special benefit of a pilgrim on the wings of 
love?” 

“Yes,” was her laconic reply, followed by 
his ringing laughter and the consoling reflec- 
tion that the artist needed not burden himself 
with an inimitable model. 

Yet he rejoined: “And love alone produced 
the fragrancy inhaled by me amid the cab- 
bages?” whereto she made answer, with great 
earnestness : 

“Even as the broken lines of a circle are re- 
plenished by the imaginative eye, thus love 
rounds and perfects everything.” 

“And yet — ” sighed he, 

‘ ‘ That slumbered I should have on cabbage — 
Cabbage-head for pillow, 

Cabbage-leaf for cover.” 

“Be calmed; they had -no thorns.” 

“Than that of yours no human word was e’er more 
true — 

A genuine thornless rose, my darling, you!” — 
a happy repartee with many pleasantries in its 
wake. 


146 


Unique Talcs* 


To his stammered question : ‘‘The scintillat- 
ing caves — whither have they flown?’* she re- 
plied : 

“No matter. Faith gained, the source is im- 
material.” 

Now then for the rare mare, to be rescued 
from the ban of enchantment. ‘ ‘ Or, ’ ’ he asked : 

Is fancy of a lover also she, 

Forever lost to you and me T* 

“A Pegasus, in quest of a new-born poet?” 
she queried quizzically. 

The point whereto Kaphael had effected his 
ascent afforded a view into the haunted district. 
There grazed no horse. The steepness of the 
rock precluded any attempt at descent. That 
anybody should ever have succeeded in such a 
climb was explained by the wonderful energy 
vouchsafed upon pressing occasions. 

From a remoter cliff, which Niobe had 
climbed far ahead of Raphael, she called out to 
him: 


147 


Unique Tales* 

“ Lo, what a beauteous specimen 
Of horse stands there exposed ! 

So white, so gentle as a lamb 
For rural picture posed. 

“ What animates it ? traces it 
A foe ? Each nerve aflame — 

Its neck half turned ; its stature doubly 
High, a lion to shame. 

“ A change from state of ire to gesture 
Of nobility: 

Thy voice it knows, it hears; as noble 
Man it waits for thee. 

Let toward it our way us wend; 

I long to tender it my hand.” 

When she descended he called: “The cen- 
taur, I hope, hath no wings.” 

“What an unpoet ic hope!” said she. 

“Fear, rather, that he might soar with the 
new poetess beyond my reach.” 

Assisting her further downward Raphael still 
murmured admiringly: “Even no foreign ac- 
cent in her poem’s recitation!” 

“Remember,” murmured also she (not with- 
out a smile), “Shakespeare, my progenitor, as 
well as Dante.” 


148 


Unique Talcs* 


A toilsome detour brought them at last to 
the laurel bush, and there the faithful animal, 
as if having incessantly, confidently waited for 
him, saluted her friend with joyous neighing, 
at the spot where he had deserted her; and to 
Niobe, evidently so attached to him, she 
stretched forth the elegant right hoof; where- 
upon lady and horse shook lily-white hoof and 
hand. 

Even in broad daylight were outlines of^ grim 
warrior then traceable in the castellated rock. 

Kaphael disappeared from the scene, to reap- 
pear on the height where a protuberance indi- 
cated a semblance of the giant’s ear. Into it 
the civilian anon hallooed: “Grow wise, mid- 
dle-aged man 1 and fight but those of your age 
and awkward stamp!” which exhortation 
caused no end of merriment among the lovers. 

After this ceremony the enchanted forest 
was to be traversed. 

The mare following them, as if by agreement 
(at a polite distance), Niobe asked: “Have you 
a stall for her near your hut?” 

149 


Unique Talcs^ 

“I shall find a cot.** This lightly, with the 
expression, which had perplexed her before, 
and would soon be understood. 

The forest *s shady, caressing hospitability 
seemed little to differ from that of ordinary 
woods, save that each flower regarded the trav- 
elers with a certain mysterious pensive dreami^ 
ness, as yet unknown to Niobe and Kaphael. 

“Theirs dusk and dawn; 

The day our own — 

sang the poet, and, with day for helpmate, obr 
structions of all sorts were gracefully overcome 
by the three, as also the embarrassment touch- 
ing the mare’s passage over the river ; for the 
spirited being dashed into it, and kept pace 
with the boat. 

If kindly nymphs lent aid it was invisibly. 
How to reward or please them was discussed 
with humorous zeal, yet without result. Of 
flowers, weeds and webs they had plenty ; and 
what were pleasing to their palates, who knew 
150 


Unique Talcs* 

until a midnight sail at full moontime might 
reveal? 

The sun laid his rays tenderly on the gentle 
horse; in prancing gait it accompanied its de- 
liverers. 


151 


Unique Tales* 


VI. 

A PARADISE. 

Upon entering a magnificent estate, whose 
exuberant borders bad already attracted the eye 
from afar, Raphael was held back by the bride. 
Her finger pointed to a sign, ‘‘Private property, 
upon a gate of extreme grandeur. Then be, 
embracing her, said smilingly: “Thine it is, 
sweet love, and mine; and where the sensitive 
willow beckons to us ” 

“How like a tree of heaven!” she inter- 
rupted, “so immaculate, so high!” 

“ — yonder glass-house,” be continued, “is 
our abode of joy.” 

Joy there henceforth lived indeed. Each 
room a token of, a promise for, halcyon days. 

Glass-house, a name equally well chosen, as 
that most extensive manor was so amply sup- 
15 ^ 


Unique Tales* 


plied with windows that from any standpoint 
views were granted upon manifold scenery — 
views upon discreetly distributed belvederes, 
their winding stairs entwined with trailing 
plants; each structure at a select spot, among 
them an emerald pool, the fashionable resort of 
gold-, sun- and silver-fishes. Then again 
natural elevations displayed to view many a 
cascade, emitting pearls and opals — so sparkling 
the foam. 

Nearby many a meandering path (each path 
token of, promise for, halcyon days) was 
daintily bounded by frames of flower-bed pic- 
tures. Profuse array of beaming flowers : 

Sweet scents, from many climes 

Wafted, move Heaven’s chimes. 

Flowerage of rainbow bent: 

Highroad to Heaven’s tent. 

Fragrance and holy hue 

Soul-life with Heaven imbue. 


In the distance there towered groups of trees, 
153 


Unique Tales* 

denominated Monarchs of my Paradise 
Raphael. 

And joy was no less the share of the many 
animals in the park. No beast of burden was 
suffered there — at least none from which the 
burden was not taken ; nor were the rural rail- 
ings, inclosing, within the vast one, many a 
separate park, erected for imprisonment, but 
for protection. 

Niobe’s black attire soon gave way to white 
as eminently adapted also to mourning, since 
pure white reflects the luminous raiment of the 
departed. 

Day by day disclosed a wife to be an invalu- 
able blessing; and the husband’s fear that by 
the bond of matrimony all other Madonnas 
would be distanced, was dispelled through the 
sociability of his attractive wife. 

“How queen-like is her appearance; and his 
—how like a demigod’s 1” said friends of 
them. 

By means of her cultivation the artist had 
also learned that he could not reach his ideal; 

154 


Unique Tales* 


and that it could be approached in no better 
way than by artistic manipulation of their 
park. To it, then, he devoted his energies; 
procured choice plants (his paints he called 
them) from all parts of the globe, and assigned 
to each collection a special district then named 
after the beauties’ native country. 

Additions have augmented ; and the map of 
this idealized world, this new Paradise, is 
rapidly being completed. 

Thus the brook which, with many an arti- 
ficial curve, runs through the whole estate, 
officiates as the Amazon, Danube, Niagara, ac- 
cording to the country that it fructifies; ever, 
rippling or gushing, extolling the beauty of the 
new world. Tiers of precious stones hold the 
bridges, spanned over the rivers. Even where 
the brook narrows down to a brooklet there 
are bridges (these of bamboo), because in the 
haunts of birds and butterflies also abound 
elves, who not always care to fly. 

So pleased is Niobe with her new home that 
she cares not to return to the old one ; but dis- 
155 


Unique Talcs4 

posed of her rich inheritance, the proceeds being 
partly used toward a painting — in very natural 
colors — of the cypress- enshrined garden, in 
which Raphael found her ; and in that part of 
Italy, with its jessamines and pomegranates, 
blooms their favorite arbor. 

How often they, with clasped hands, there 
remember the moment of their first meeting, 
and ever new words of love flow into such re- 
membrances! 

A perplexing utterance, deeply engraven in 
Niobe’s heart, was that of nymphs who had of 
late floated round RaphaePs moonlit boat. 
“Love, love, O love!” had they entreated. 

Too indefinite this expression of theirs : yet 
how teeming with meaning. “Love, love! 
But whom?” had Niobe asked in the arbor. 

“Me, of course!” was the laughing answer. 

Then Niobe, in sober earnest whenever love is 
concerned, rejoined: “No, Raphael; they surely 
solicited for love more extended.” 

“Well, then,” said he appeasingly, yielding 
to her mood, “universal, helpful love,” which 
156 


Unique Tales* 


interpretation they adopted and act upon, in the 
hope that their good deeds may, if but in- 
directly, also reach their wreathed friends in 
the haunted river. 

No festive occasion the august couple, whose 
wisdom holds Paradise, allows to pass without 
also furthering the happiness of some of their 
dumb friends. 

Thus a purchase-order for the imprisoned 
eagle had been given, and the self-same cage 
was deposited in the park. The poor bird had 
but slightly grown. As heretofore, it again 
spread its wings, repeatedly hopping up against 
the wire, then falling back with a look pitiful 
to behold. But when Niobe had lifted the bar- 
rier — lo and behold ! — the eagle rose with joyful 
note, and triumphantly soared higher and 
higher. And on the following day (which 
was but yesterday) an olive branch descended 
from height unknown into the heart of 
America ; an event no doubt gratifying to deni- 
zens of that hemisphere. Celebrations these, 
betokening beautiful progress since the time of 
sacrifices. 


157 


Unique Talcs* 

And upon this new world shine sun, moon 
and stars. Upon wickedness they indeed 
shine too, but only in order to expose and 
bring to justice. Over this Paradise, however, 
the Lights of Heaven love to linger, because 
they love Love and Peace, and are made happy 
by blessing both. 

And as Raphael and Niobe derive happiness 
from the joy they impart to others, the park 
has become a resort for many, all of whom there 
pass delightful times under the refining influ- 
ence of the language of Nature. 


THE END. 


158 


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